Post By SAND Member Kristina Arslain
“New Year, New Me!”
We have all heard it, and all know someone who failed to follow through with their new year’s resolution. According to Forbes Magazine, only 8% of the people who create a new year’s resolution are successful. Here are some tips to help make sure you are part of the 8%
First of all, you must realize that your new year’s resolution is lifestyle change; therefore your resolutions must be realistic. If your resolution requires too drastic of a change, you may find yourself struggling to stick to it long term. Consider starting your resolution out small, and later build onto it, so the new change becomes second nature. This will help you stick to your resolution and ensure that you are constantly improving.
Second, make sure your goal is specific and measurable. Your resolution should be precise. You should be able to answer “yes” or “no” when asked if you followed your resolution this week. The resolution of “get fit this year” is much too broad; instead, specify what you are going to do that will help you get in shape. If your overall goal is to get fit, a better resolution to help you reach your fitness goal would be “to go to the gym “x” amount of times a week” or “drink “x” amount of ounces of water each day”. A specific and measurable resolution will help you keep track with how well you are sticking to your resolution.
Third, manage your time properly – especially if your resolution includes you incorporating something into your day. Many resolutions fail because people get too busy and do not have enough time. Before starting your resolution, reflect on your current routine and take note of the time wasters in your life (such as surfing the internet, texting, watching TV). Recognizing areas in your life that are unecessary, will help make sure you have enough time in each day for your resolution.
Fourth, accountability! It is helpful to have someone or something that will keep you accountable and force you to keep track of your progress. This could be a family member or friend who will periodically ask you how your resolution is coming along. Online support groups or even apps on your phone are great ways to track your progress and remind yourself to keep your resolution.
Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself and remember that it’s okay to slack occasionally. There will be times when life gets in the way and you can’t follow through with your resolution for a period of time. There is nothing wrong with this. Don’t get too upset with yourself; instead continue back with your resolution when you can.
Best of luck with your resolutions and Happy New Year!
Resources:
http://www.fluentin3months.com/keep-a-new-years-resolution/
http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Galleries/Seasonal/How-to-Make-Realistic-New-Years-Resolutions-and-Keep-Them.aspx?b=1&p=8
http://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2013/01/01/just-8-of-people-achieve-their-new-years-resolutions-heres-how-they-did-it/
“New Year, New Me!”
We have all heard it, and all know someone who failed to follow through with their new year’s resolution. According to Forbes Magazine, only 8% of the people who create a new year’s resolution are successful. Here are some tips to help make sure you are part of the 8%
First of all, you must realize that your new year’s resolution is lifestyle change; therefore your resolutions must be realistic. If your resolution requires too drastic of a change, you may find yourself struggling to stick to it long term. Consider starting your resolution out small, and later build onto it, so the new change becomes second nature. This will help you stick to your resolution and ensure that you are constantly improving.
Second, make sure your goal is specific and measurable. Your resolution should be precise. You should be able to answer “yes” or “no” when asked if you followed your resolution this week. The resolution of “get fit this year” is much too broad; instead, specify what you are going to do that will help you get in shape. If your overall goal is to get fit, a better resolution to help you reach your fitness goal would be “to go to the gym “x” amount of times a week” or “drink “x” amount of ounces of water each day”. A specific and measurable resolution will help you keep track with how well you are sticking to your resolution.
Third, manage your time properly – especially if your resolution includes you incorporating something into your day. Many resolutions fail because people get too busy and do not have enough time. Before starting your resolution, reflect on your current routine and take note of the time wasters in your life (such as surfing the internet, texting, watching TV). Recognizing areas in your life that are unecessary, will help make sure you have enough time in each day for your resolution.
Fourth, accountability! It is helpful to have someone or something that will keep you accountable and force you to keep track of your progress. This could be a family member or friend who will periodically ask you how your resolution is coming along. Online support groups or even apps on your phone are great ways to track your progress and remind yourself to keep your resolution.
Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself and remember that it’s okay to slack occasionally. There will be times when life gets in the way and you can’t follow through with your resolution for a period of time. There is nothing wrong with this. Don’t get too upset with yourself; instead continue back with your resolution when you can.
Best of luck with your resolutions and Happy New Year!
Resources:
http://www.fluentin3months.com/keep-a-new-years-resolution/
http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Galleries/Seasonal/How-to-Make-Realistic-New-Years-Resolutions-and-Keep-Them.aspx?b=1&p=8
http://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2013/01/01/just-8-of-people-achieve-their-new-years-resolutions-heres-how-they-did-it/