Keeping New Year's Resolutions

By Rachel Carvosso

Writing new year's resolutions can be a good way to review and re-focus but how do you keep those well-meaning resolutions?

Here are some top tips for Keeping New Years’ Resolutions.

1. Re-read and identify key areas.

If go on a diet and quit smoking are at the top of your list then health is a priority. Grouping a long lists of things into key areas means that you are more likely to make over all changes rather than try and keep up with an unrealistic set of goals.

2. Read it!

Write out your key list and put it somewhere you will see it every day. It is easy to forget things if they are not part of your usual routine. By looking at the list regularly you will be reminded and the repetition will slowly take hold of the long-term memory and sub- conscious.

3. See it!

When your motivation runs low visualize yourself as having already achieved a whole year successfully. Imagine the more considerate, fitter, healthier and more productive you.

4. Make it!

Create a collage or visual motivator. Making images, not only of what you want to become but things that encourage you in the process is a powerful tool for self-motivation.

5. Find a friend

Find someone to be accountable to. Having someone who is willing to act as a coach by asking you regularly how you are doing can give a sense of focus and accountability. For some people it is harder to let other people down than it is to be self- motivated. The key to a good accountability partner is finding someone reliable, who is encouraging (not critical) and who is not afraid to ask you difficult questions.

6. Take action.

Cut up credit cards, go to the sports center and find out about the gym, buy some running shoes, forgive that relative take the first step towards your intended goal. The first step is often the hardest and achieving change is often about your ability to make small incremental changes. Break each step down into smaller ones, for example if you want to exercise more start by researching different sports options and finding out how much it costs. Making a plan of action and then taking the first step will make it more of a reality.

7. If you give up figure out why and start again

Focus on analyzing WHY you couldn’t keep it rather than dwelling on it as a failure. Change is a process and New Years resolutions need to be an ongoing change in lifestyle rather than a sudden frenzy of activity followed by burn out. Acknowledge the mistake and move forwards by finding solutions. This is not always easy when the thing we are looking at is our mistakes and ourselves.

8. Cultivate an attitude of constructive criticism.

What triggered the need for a cigarette? Was I stressed? Was it around the time I usually have a cigarette with my morning coffee? By analyzing the steps towards the “failure” you are more likely to be prepared the next time.