Keeping New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on January 1st, 2009.

I have always loved the feeling I get at the start of a new year. It’s like the ULTIMATE “Monday” because you can get the freshest of fresh starts on new habits you want to create. Over the years though, I have learned a thing or two about setting New Year’s Resolutions. I used to make a list a mile long of things I wanted to be better at, and the expectations I set for myself were usually quite unrealistic. Of course, that just sets you up for disappointment and frustration, so in order to avoid those feelings and experience feelings of success and joy instead, here are some pointers to help you keep the best of your New Year’s Resolutions:

 

1. Make realistic resolutions:

Don’t try too much too quickly. For example, if you are presently not exercising at all, but your resolution is to exercise six days a week for an hour each day, you may be setting yourself up for failure. It may be more realistic to resolve to exercise three to four days per week for at least 30 minutes each time. After that becomes a habit, then you can work on increasing your goal. 

 

2. Set a series of smaller goals:

Divide your big goal into smaller sections. Say, for instance, you want to lose twenty pounds. Instead of leaving your goal so vague, plan a reasonable amount to work toward in the first month. For example, you’d like to lose five pounds in January, then another five pounds in February and so on. These smaller goals will keep you encouraged as you make progress. 

3. Make reminders:

After you decide the things you would like to work on, make several reminders for yourself. The old method of taping a sign on your mirror or somewhere where you will see it regularly might work. But if you usually ignore your signs, try something different. Sometimes simple things can work. Take the resolution to eat more fruits and vegetables. Instead of stuffing your apples and oranges away in the refrigerator where you can’t see them, place a bowl of fruit on your counter. It will be difficult to say you forgot when you have them right in front of you each and every day. 

 

4. Be kind to yourself:

If you find you’ve made resolutions that are making you miserable, be willing to change them. After all, they are your resolutions. Sometimes you can resolve to do things that are really too big to handle. Instead of giving up as a failure, modify your goals so that they will be a true help and result in improvement. 

 

(The above information was taken and adapted from the article, “Keeping New Year’s Resolutions” by Tambuli, Liahona Dec. 1990.

 

Good luck with your New Year’s Resolutions! I hope you have a fabulous 2009!

 

 

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