How to Make a New Year’s Resolution and Stick with It

New year’s resolutions are usually the most forgotten of all the vows made. At the end of the year, we sometimes can’t even recall what we started with. Here are some helpful tips for you in coming up with your new year’s resolution and for sticking with it.

1. Be realistic. What you are creating is a resolution, not a wish list. Be sure to write down resolutions you can really keep.
2. Be specific. Avoid vague and general terms. Instead of writing “I will be more religious,” try “I will attend Sunday mass regularly” or “I will pray at least thrice a day.”
3. Write attainable goals. If you are on a fixed income and can hardly make the ends meet, avoid writing “to travel to at least five countries abroad” because that’s not feasible.
4. Divide your goals into smaller measurable tasks. If you want to learn how to play the guitar, try setting a goal of taking up guitar lessons or learning at least a song every week.
5. Remind yourself of your resolutions regularly. Make your list handy or do tricks that will make it easier for you to remember your resolutions, like posting some notes on the refrigerator if you’re planning to lose weight.
6. During the year, periodically assess your progress. This will keep you closer to your target and motivate you to keep sticking to your resolutions.

It would also be nice if you can include in your list tasks that will help you improve yourself and develop your talents.