10 Ways to Pick a Manageable New Year’s Resolution
Don't drop your NYE resolution too soon
Picking just the right New Year's resolution is like picking a best friend - you have to choose wisely or else it will get up backfiring on you. Don't pick the one that is unattainable and too high maintenance. Find a reasonable resolution that is doable, and improves your life, and you'll be on the path to success.
Ten steps to attaining your goal
- Be realistic. Keep in mind that your goals must be realistic and have actionable steps with benchmarks such as I will do X to achieve Y by Z.
- Be accountable. Tell people about your goals and even better, make sure that at least a few of your friends will hold you to them.
- Set steps on how to reach your resolution. Make a detailed plan on how you will achieve your desired goal and milestones along the way.
- Change negatives to positives. Instead of saying, “I can't make any friends,” say, “I'm going to join a local organization that suits my interests and expand my horizons.”
- Remind yourself of your goals. Write down your resolutions and make sure they are viewed everyday. A good idea is to post a note with them on your bathroom mirror, beside your bed, on your computer monitor and even the kitchen fridge.
- Get a regimen in place. After three to four weeks things become habitual. If you can stick it out for this long, it will be a lot easier to become part of your regular schedule.
- Don't let others tempt you. If you are set to quit smoking, lose weight, drink less, whatever it is. Don't give into temptation when you see your friends indulging. If it means cutting back on your social events, then so be it. You can get back on track socially once you reach your goal. This is the time to indulge yourself and focus on your goal.
- Give yourself regular rewards. If your goal is losing weight, then after you lose 10 lbs, set a reward in place, such as a new dress to show off your new svelte figure. Just make sure, if you want to lose more than 10 pounds, that it's an outfit that can be altered when you reach your goal weight.
- Don't beat yourself up for slips. Everyone makes mistakes. If you don't go to the gym for a week, or eat that entire bag of potato chips, don't give up. Just get back on track and refocus on your goal.
- Acknowlege your achievement. When you reach your goal, don't minimize it by saying anyone could have done it. Realize how amazing you are to have accomplished your goal, and pat yourself on the back. You deserve it.
