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When one thinks of New Year’s, a myriad things may pop into their mind – maybe those few days off work to catch up on sleep or spending some quality time with that special someone, a time to celebrate the good year you have had with family and friends, or a time to toast to the new and exciting things that are sure to come when the clock strikes midnight.
Many people think of New Year’s as a sort of proverbial do-over as well. It’s the perfect opportunity to start doing things differently, to pick up some good new habits, or to drop some bad old ones. Out with the old, in with the new. Thus, New Year’s resolutions. It’s a safe bet to say everyone has made a resolution at one point or another, but why are they so hard to keep?
Whether your resolution for 2010 is a standard one like to quit smoking those nasty cigarettes, eat better and work out to lose that spare tire, or stash some cash away in savings to build up your nest egg, or it’s something a little more unique, like going on safari or learning to speak fluent Chinese, a few simple principles can help you be on your way to your goal, no matter how big it is.
Start slowly
Deciding that, at the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31, you are going to majorly overhaul some aspect of your life is setting yourself up for failure. If you have years of experience in participating in a negative behavior, thinking that your vice will disappear literally overnight is not feasible.
Committing yourself to more than you can handle without easing into it is unrealistic. Don’t overwhelm yourself with huge life changes too suddenly.
Choose small, attainable goals, like walking for 20 minutes around your neighborhood three to four days a week or pulling $50 of spending money out of your paycheck as soon as you get paid to set aside. Once you see how easy it is for you to reach these simple goals, you can amp it up slowly to get to the point where you feel you have fulfilled the promise you made to yourself.
Keep a journal of your progress
Records of success, and even lack thereof, can be helpful and motivating. If you record the small steps you take toward meeting a big goal, you can look back over them when you are feeling frustrated to motivate you to keep on truckin.’
If you record the setbacks you encounter while working toward your goal, you can look for patterns or triggers to make yourself conscientious of potential sabotage.
Get creative with your journaling. If writing “Dear diary” every night is not for you, customize it to fit your needs. Make a video journal, write a blog, take photos, make a scrapbook, etcetera. If journaling is something you enjoy and can look forward to, you will be more likely to do it.
And when you do reach your goal, you will have a creative little memento you can keep forever to remind you how strong you are.
Plan a few steps ahead
If you know what you’re in for before you get into a situation, you can brace yourself for it and not be taken off guard.
For instance, knowing people will be smoking at a party will help you mentally prepare for the fact that you will not be participating, but for good reason.
Before you leave for the event, write down all the reasons you shouldn’t smoke on a card that fits in your wallet or purse and look at it as frequently as you have to.
Bring gum to keep your mouth busy or a small trinket you can play with to keep your hands busy.
Having someone think you have a nervous tic is better than having lung cancer. If they ask, tell them. They will most likely admire you rather than think you’re weird.
Most importantly, plan to stay away from the smoking area. It will be too much of a temptation, plus second-hand smoke is no better for you.
Planning ahead about how you are going to stick to your goal will ensure that you will still be working toward it when you arrive back home.
Enlist support
Two heads are better than one, right? Whether you have a buddy who resolved to change the same thing about themselves you did or you just know someone who has a vested interest in your happiness and well-being serving as your own personal cheerleader, tough stuff is easier to conquer with someone than without.
Share your progress with them and encourage them to share theirs with you or give you feedback on all the good you’re doing.
If you have a setback, ask them to look at the situation objectively and get their opinion on what you may be able to do next time or how they overcame a similar situation.
If you need to lose a few pounds, you may have gotten yourself into the situation all by your lonesome, but digging yourself out of that hole is a lot easier with a helping hand.
Pat yourself on the back
When you reach a goal, overcome an obstacle or just have a particularly good day, reward yourself.
However, that doesn’t mean have a hot fudge sundae topped with another hot fudge sundae to celebrate losing five pounds or rewarding yourself with one teeny little cigarette after going a week without having one. That’s just not
how it works. Do something that makes you feel good, pampered or satisfied but that also doesn’t undo everything you have already worked so hard for. Get a massage, buy yourself something you have been coveting, or go to a concert or
sporting event. Find something that appeals to you and makes you feel special that you can associate with success in your journey and look forward to.
Don’t give up!
If you really want to follow through with your resolution, don’t let backslides deter you so much you give up completely. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have a moment, or even a week, of weakness.
Truthfully, any time of the year is a good time to drop bad habits, so if you start in January and it doesn’t work out, start again in February. You will know what caused you to fall short the first time, and while it’s fresh in your head, start again and be aware.
It’s never too late to do something good for yourself.
