5 simple ways to make your new year resolutions a reality
Published in Goal Setting, Success & Lifestyle at December 31st, 2007 (0)
“I don’t set new year resolutions anymore - they never work, anyway.”
Sound familiar to you?
Too many people set right resolutions the wrong way. They mean well, but without setting and sticking to their resolutions the right way, their chance of success is greatly diminished.
Using the following tips, this article will show you how your realistic, defined resolutions can become a reality by having a plan of action, committing to them, staying accountable to them and kicking them into action now.
#1 - Keep them realistic, defined, and bite-sized.
Too often, we set resolutions that are unrealistic, vague and too “large” for our current abilities. While our long-term goals should in no way be confined to our present abilities, new year resolutions are different. One year is not long-term.
Be very specific with your resolutions, but be especially careful to keep them realistic. Make sure your resolutions are the right “size” for you. For most, the foundation to successful new year resolutions are clear, defined, bite-sized goals.
On keeping your resolutions clear & defined:
Observe the difference between these two resolutions:
“I want to lose lots of weight in 2008″ and “I want to lose 30 pounds by the end of 2008 by exercising five times a week for at least 30 minutes and reducing my meat, fat, dairy and sugar intake.”
One is clear, defined and specific. The other is not. One has a plan of action for completing and achieving the resolution. The other does not. Which one do you think will be more likely to succeed?
On keeping your resolutions realistic and bite-sized:
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Look at your resolutions from a clear, logical, realistic point of view. Are they want you really want to achieve in this year? Are the defined and “do-able”, or are they vague and larger than life?
Keep them realistic. Keep them small, but powerful. Take your resolutions in baby steps, not elephant stomps. They are NOT long-term goals, but short-term commitments to change.
#2 - Have a plan of action.
The easiest way to design your plan of action is to ask yourself the following questions about each resolution:
Why do I want to achieve this resolution?
Write it down and keep it next to your resolution - It will serve as reminder and source of motivation when you slip off track. When the going gets tough(er), you need to be able to answer the simple question you will inevitably ask yourself: Remind me again - Why am I doing this?
