New Years Resolutions – Making Them, Not Breaking Them

With 2009 almost upon us, many of us will be looking to the future and for most that will mean making a New Years’  Resolution.  Amongst the most popular are losing weight, quitting smoking and paying off debts.

Research shows that while 52% of us are confident of success as we wake up on the first of January, only 12% of us will actually achieve our goal.  While it seems that the odds are stacked against us, but all is not lost.  Here are some tips to help you become part of that 12% minority.

1. Don’t aim too high:  That’s not to say settle for second best.  People are more likely to reach their goal if it is broken into mini goals.  So, if you want to lose two stone by Christmas, aim for 1-2lb per week.  As you reach each milestone your confidence and resolve will be renewed meaning the end destination is more attainable.
2. Tell people:  Tell your colleagues, your partner, your friends.  Tell anybody and everybody.  It makes quitting harder and there will always be someone to lean on for moral support. 
3. Give it time:  Experts say it takes twenty-one days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality, so stick with it.
4. Visualise:  Imagine how it will feel once you have reached your goal.  Picture yourself as a non-smoker or a dress size smaller.  It will help make what you’re doing seem more real and remind you why you are actually doing it when it gets hard.
5. Don’t beat yourself up:  If you slip up today don’t give up or let it get you down.  Tomorrow is a new day and remember nobody is perfect.