Thursday, January 14, 2010

How to Make Your New Year's Resolutions Happen

Are you one of the 40 - 50% of Americans who made a New Year's Resolution for 2010? Maybe you resolved to quit smoking, eat a healthier diet or get to the gym more regularly. Some people commit to staying in closer touch with friends, recycling and conserving more energy, or donating time or money to a charity. Typically we focus on changes that we believe will result in some kind of improvement, either within ourselves, our families or our community.

How are you doing at following through? Even if you are one of the 20% who broke their resolutions the first week of January, you can re-commit to making those changes and be successful.

These are ways to make it happen:

1. Think of your goal as a type of behavior change.
2. Be specific about what you want to change -- how, when, where, how much, how often, etc.
3. Write it down on paper.
4. Make yourself accountable, not just to you, but tell your family and friends what you are working on.
5. Remember that change is often difficult and uncomfortable.
6. Be realistic and patient with yourself.
7. Keep a record to track how you are doing.
8. Go for progress, not perfection.

I will exercise for 30 minutes three times a week.

I will telephone one friend a week to keep in touch.