4 Tips To Make Your Resolutions Work!

[ 0 ] January 3, 2010 | Anthony

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It’s that time again. The beginning of a New Year always brings along with it those often short lived commitments people make called “New Year’s resolutions”. I personally recommend making “daily” resolutions, but this time of year can be a good start for many of you who need that swift kick in the duff to get going.

Although resolutions can be a positive motivator to some, it can also bring about certain level of frustration for you if the goals that you set for yourself are unreachable, unattainable, or just something you have no real passion for doing. Making resolutions can be done at any time of the year, but if you have been thinking about several new ones for the new year, here are four tips to help you not only make resolutions, but to keep them.

1. Know your resolution

Okay, so you have made your list of New Year’s resolutions. Now, take a step back and give each one a good look. Are these resolutions ones that you truly wanted to make or are they resolutions that others have influenced you to make? Be certain that each one of your resolution is one that you are committed to keeping, not a half hearted attempt at reaching a goal that you really aren’t interested in. If there are changes that need to be made to your resolution then by all means do so.

2. Set realistic goals

Are the resolutions that you set for yourself reasonable or are they stretching well beyond what can realistically be expected? Let’s say your goal is to lose 80 pounds in the upcoming year. While this weight loss resolution may seem admirable, do you really have the time and commitment to exercise regularly? Are you willing to change your eating habits? Change your lifestyle? Is the 80 pound weight loss goal too much, too soon? Would it be better for you to increase the amount of time you wish to accomplish this goal in beyond one calendar year? Be sure to consider your health, both physical and mental, when evaluating your goals. Keep in mind how your resolution may impact friends and family members you may be a “bear” to live with over the next twelve months!

3. When the going gets tough, get going!

Are you one of those people who give up at the first sign of an obstacle? If you lose your cool and binge on junk food, do you just throw in the towel and quit? If so than ask yourself why? The best thing to do is to simply start over again and continue on your journey. The road to any goal is paved with pitfalls and you are bound to backslide from time to time. The best advice is to find a friend who will hold you accountable and who knows and understands your resolution and can encourage you to keep it.

4. Give yourself a reward

When you have accomplished your goal, or at the end of the given period of time, reward yourself based on how well you kept your resolution. If you hit your weight loss goals, consider a reward such as a vacation or going on that shopping spree you always wanted for new clothes. The key is to reward yourself with something positive and not something negative such as going on a junk food binge! If you happen to fall short of your goals, keep the ideas for a reward open for when you actually do meet your goals. In other words, some resolutions are ongoing and shouldn’t be restricted by a 365 day calendar.

Remember this: resolutions are meant to help you and not hinder you. It’s your attitude toward a particular resolution or goal that will ultimately help you determine whether or not you will be successful in your endeavor. Any resolution made which doesn’t have your enthusiastic backing will certainly become a hindrance in the months to come and forgotten altogether by midyear. Make resolutions that mean the most to you and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

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