New Years Resolution Tips
When they're first made, New Years resolutions sound like bold proclamations that can't go wrong. They're attempts to better yourself while going forward into the future, and when they're made the speaker's voice is usually filled with brash confidence. For, on a magical evening like New Years Eve, anything is possible.
But then January 1 rolls around, and you don't have time to exercise... and you'd rather have some cake than a carrot... and man, does that beer look great... and the resolutions all fall apart within days. Harsh.
Is there anything that can be done to ensure that New Years resolutions are kept strong throughout the year? Of course there is. All it takes is a bit of willpower, a strong desire to achieve the ends and - in the case of this article - these five tips. Try and follow them as you're forming your resolutions to ease your path into 2011, and every new year beyond this one.
- Make sure your resolution is attainable. The more difficult a resolution is, the less likely you are to follow through successfully. Not everybody has the courage to follow through on the huge, bold proclamations. Rather than vowing to be super skinny come next New Years Eve, for example, vow to lose - and keep off - 20 pounds. Or vow, not to exercise every day in a week, but to get in 15 minutes or so every second day. Small steps lead to victory.
- Make sure your resolution can fit into your schedule. Many resolutions are broken because the person doesn't have time to follow through. Always ensure that you have adequate chunks of space in your days to execute your vows.
- Make sure your resolution doesn't strip your life of pleasure. Drinkers, for example, have trouble quitting cold turkey because an entire chunk of their existence is suddenly lopped off. That's a lot of happy time gone. Rather than quitting something altogether, bring it down in increments. Eat, drink or do less of that particular activity over time. This will prevent sudden, full-blown rebounds, and give your brain a chance to adapt to the new circumstances.
- Make sure your resolution is financially feasible. Not every New Years resolution focuses on getting rid of things. Some desire to introduce new elements, such as moving into a bigger house or getting a new car. Can you afford such luxuries? Figure that out before brashly rushing off to fulfill your desires.
- Last, most important for the willpower aspect, make sure somebody else is tracking your progress. Make a bit of a pact with a close friend or family member alongside your resolution. Having a second set of eyes keeping an eye on what you're doing helps a lot in keeping on the straight and narrow.
Yes, this sounds like a lot of planning for something as frivolous as a New Years resolution, but resolutions can often lead to strong, positive change. They can alter a life that's otherwise going down the drain. In short, don't mistake the power of a simple resolution.
