Happy New Year Everyone!In many cultures the New Year signifies a time of rebirth, self-improvement and rejuvenation. Along with the New Year are the resolutions. Studies show that every year almost 100 million people begin the New Year with at least one resolution. Unfortunately within the first three months of the year the resolution is gone and forgotten. The reasons often vary from person to person. Nonetheless resolutions will continue to be a part of the New Year. The following are 5 tips for keeping your resolution beyond the month of January.
1. Who is this resolution for?
When making a resolution ask yourself who is this for? If the answer is my spouse, my friends or my family, then choose another resolution. Making a resolution because another person feels it is a good idea is never a good idea. For when the going gets tough it will be easy to toss the resolution aside.
2. Write it down and be specific.
One of the biggest factors for following through with a resolution is to write it down and be specific. For example: Instead of I am going to exercise more this year, try the following, I will exercise for one hour per day three days a week. In addition to writing down the resolution, think about adding a due date. A due date will keep you on target and for some serve as that extra ounce of motivation. For example: As opposed to I want to lose weight. Consider the following; I want to lose 30 lbs. by or before June 10, 2008
3. Keep your expectations realistic.
If your resolution is to lose 20 lbs in two weeks then you are definitely not being realistic about keeping the resolution. Give yourself the time and room to get going and to deal with the obstacles that will come along the way. Be realistic.
4. Correct and continue.
With resolutions obstacles often show up and things happen. You may miss one day of exercise because of working late or ate too many slices of pizza for lunch. This happens, don’t throw in the towel pick yourself up and get back on track. The following day get down to the gym and for your next meal eat something healthy.
5. Source of Accountability.
A source of accountability keeps you on target and must be involved in the process. The accountability source can be a coach, a before picture to remind you of the resolution or a workout buddy to keep you on track with your exercise routine.
Use the following tips to keep you on target and remember if the going gets tough keep going.
To your success!
Kameka Green
© Akima Speaks 2008
