New Years Resolutions: How They Work – or Not

Winter-Blues

January 1 means a new beginning. You might be surprised that 75% of every New Years Resolution will be continued through the entire first week, but not even 50% continue through until summer. And according to statistics only 8% of people achieve them throughout the year.  Now with the year ending, it’s your chance to sit down and prepare a list of important lifestyle changes you want to make.

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Set Clear Goals – and a Reason to Stick to Them
When resolutions are too ambitious, we struggle to change our habits, become discouraged and ultimately give up altogether. Establishing vague goals, like, “I want to be healthier,” or “I want to spend more time with my family,” won’t do you any good. You need to create concrete goals. Describe exactly you want to change. Ask yourself: “What would I need to do to become a happier person? Or loose weight? Or find a better job”

Not feeling motivated most New Year’s resolutions only last a couple of weeks. Expect that there will be days when you don’t feel like sticking to your goal – and have a plan how you will counteract this lack of motivation. Create a list of all the reasons why you should stick to your goal.

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You Can Eat a Whole Elephant
You just need to cut it in small pieces and eat one portion at a time. Don’t create huge goals, or at least cut them into small pieces. Establish small goals and clear action steps, which you can implement every day. Boost your motivation, keep a list of all the reasons why you should stick to your goals – and read them several times a day. Having patience leads to success.

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Hang up a Calendar
Check off every day you stuck to your diet, went for a walk, volunteered, or have been nice and helpful to everyone you met this day. Celebrate when you hit small milestones – but don’t eat a whole chocolate bar once you reached a step of your weightless goal.

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Have a Plan B
A little planning can help you toward keeping you on target. Don’t say you can’t “find the time” to do something. Nobody finds time, we choose time! Treat your New Year Resolution’s appointments just like they were scheduled doctor appointments. Progress doesn’t come in a straight line. You’ll likely make some mistakes along the way. Don’t conclude your mistake is proof you can’t be successful.

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Tony Robbins Sums it Up:
Your resolution needs to have a positive, exciting outcome, something your are looking forward to. For example: Don’t say to yourself: “I want to loose weight.” Instead vow: “Until March 1, I will fit into my lovely summer dress again that I bought last year”. This is a positive outlook. Take pictures of this dress and place them everywhere you can see them.
Watch Tony Robbins’ video on YouTube. He gives lots of helpful hints how to motivate yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL5jKptjIQw

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Look for Support
Sometimes friends and family members have trouble supporting your goals. Make sure you have at least a few people helping you to reach your goal. Consider talking to a therapist or a priest or rabbi if you don’t have anyone in your life who is really cheering you on.

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Recommended Resolutions for Writers
Check out this list of recommendations for Writers at an earlier article I wrote: Remember Your New Year’s Resolutions? One Step per Day to future publishing success. And: READ MORE BOOKS
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You can still be successful in the end even when you encounter obstacles and problems throughout your journey. Yes, it takes work to keep your resolutions. But if you stay committed, you’ll be very proud of yourself in the end – and with more self-esteem. Life is busy, don’t forget about the simple but immensely important goals: Be a good spouse, be a good friend. Smile more, treat others with kindness and patience.

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Read also these encouraging articles:
https://daringtolivefully.com/new-year-resolution-ideas
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-years-resolutions-what-money-pros-vow-to-do-better-in-2017-2016-12-26
http://www.chopra.com/articles/5-alternatives-to-making-new-year%E2%80%99s-resolutions
http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/28/health/new-years-resolutions-nutrition-fitness/

 

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