I RESOLVE: 10 TIPS FOR MAKING RESOLUTIONS THAT LAST by Colleen Langenfeld
It's that time of year again. If you like the idea of
making a fresh start, but are tired of enduring the
frustrations of broken resolutions, try these simple tips
for starting new habits that really last!
1. Test it.
Whims do not make good habits. Don't even attempt a
resolution you're not serious about. How to tell? Are you
willing to try it for a week? That's a good sign. Only
interested in talking about it? Move on to the next one.
2. Gather supportive resources.
Find books, articles, and music to support your new habit.
Put a screensaver on your computer to remind you of your
new direction. Just like a nicotine patch, support
materials give you the added help you need to stay the
course.
3. Practice it.
Like riding a bike or learning a new language, habits
require practice to make or break. Set goals such as
'10 minutes, 3 times a day for a first week', then double
the effort on week two. Be sure it applies to your
situation.
4. Reward yourself.
Little rewards for the small goals reached; significant
rewards for major achievements. Don't be stingy with
yourself; you've decided on this resolution because it
improves the quality of your life, right?
5. See it long-term.
The value of a lifestyle change cannot be measured in
hours or days. If the weight took ten years to put on, it
may take six to twelve months to come off. The health
benefits can be felt for years to come, but only by
staying the course long-term.
6. Do it with a buddy.
Almost everything is more pleasant with a friend at your
side. Just make sure they know what they're in for! If
you'll need to vent regularly at first, tell them exactly
how they can help you and that it isn't necessary to
take your frustrations personally.
7. Accountability.
Putting someone else in charge of your progress can be a
helpful thing. Share your weekly goals with a trusted
friend or spouse and establish weekly times where they can
ask you about your progress. It can be easy to let
ourselves slide along without real results...but no one
wants to disappoint someone who respects them.
8. Replace old with new.
Remember that you can't remove an old habit without
replacing it with a new. That's one reason why it's so
important to state your goals in the positive. Focusing
on finding ways to move your body that you enjoy and
experiencing new, healthier recipes each week is much
more helpful than constantly telling yourself to quit
smoking and that you must give up your favorite food for
the rest of your life.
9. Start living your new lifestyle.
Ask yourself what your new life will look like when it's
just the way you want it to be and then start doing those
activities. If you want to improve your social life, for
example, don't wait until you lose those ten pounds to make
more friends. Get out there and join a club you are
interested in, volunteer for a worthy cause, take a course
at the local community college. Get into life and it will
get into you!
10. Give yourself a break.
Beginning a new habit or stopping an old one is usually a
series of stops and starts. That's normal. Don't get
discouraged with the process and give up too soon. Chart
your progress so you can see the real gains you've made
over time. If you miss a deadline, re-adjust and press on.
After all, the real goal is that next New Years Day you
will have accomplished your resolution. Let this be the
year of change you've been looking for!
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Colleen Langenfeld delivers deals, tips and
creative resources to working moms who want
the most out of their homes, families and
careers at http://www.paintedgold.com . Sign
up for our fr*ee newsletter and get an
online Creativity Toolkit as our gift to you!
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