With a new year come new resolutions! As you say “goodbye”to 2012 and “hello” to 2013, follow these tips to help you make those resolutions last.
Write a specific goal list. If you take the time to write down your goals and set deadlines, you make yourself more accountable to fulfilling them. Place the list in a spot where you will see it every day to keep the goals – and accomplishing them – on your mind.
Try this Goal Setting Worksheet to help you stay on track.
Have a “Resolution Buddy”. Talking about your resolutions with others, getting support and working toward accomplishing them together will make it easier and more fun todo so. You might even consider joining a support network, such as a local weight loss program or smoking cessation group.
Remember to reward yourself. While your overall goal may seem distant, if you reward yourself along the way, it can make the experience of working toward it more enjoyable. According to Family Therapist/LifeCoach Sharon Lotoczky, doing something positive that lightens your mood is the most successful way to make a resolution stick.
Build off of existing habits. If you already make coffee every morning, and your resolution is something like taking daily vitamins, keep the vitamin jar next to the coffeepot. Doing so will make the resolution an easier habit to form.
Lifehacker provides information on what it takes to form a good habit.
Understand there will be obstacles. Trying to accomplish your goals won’t always be easy. However, that does not mean you should simply give up. According to CNN.com, 71% of New Year’s Resolvers have a slip, yet they feel that the obstacle actually strengthens their resolution and motivation to change.
Visualize the end result. If you have trouble staying motivated, focus on what you’ll get and how you’ll feel once you reach your end goal. While this may be easier said than done, making a conscious effort to stay positive will help keep you on track.
Although these tips can encourage you to make the resolutions last beyond the first few weeks of 2013, ultimately, the change only will come if you make it. For some popular resolution ideas, visit Boston.com. Or, share your resolution with others here.
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