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AM 820's Dr. Liz Hale ReportingEvery new year we make New Year's Resolutions. It feels like getting a new lease on life. But year after year the same thing happens; within a few weeks, the enthusiasm and the hope are gone.
Unfulfilled resolutions often fade and fizzle, leaving us feeling deflated and depressed, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are a few things to keep in mind in order to ensure that you are included in the 50% of people who make and keep their New Year's Resolutions:
Helen Stephenson: “I’d like to lose weight.”
Matt Draper: “Lose a few extra pounds, as I eat my chocolate.”
Tiffany Koning: “Spend more time with my family.”
Lose weight, enjoy more time with family, advance careers--lots of people set New Year's resolutions and lots of people break New Year's resolutions. The key is to aim for a specific goal. Committing to "eating better" or "exercising more" is too vague. On the other hand, detailed commitments to avoid certain foods, or to exercise three times a week at lunchtime will lead to better success.
Expect Setbacks Temptations and relapses are an integral part of making changes. Expect them instead of feeling exasperated by them.
Practice Self-Care We often take a punitive attitude toward change; the if it hurts, it must be good for me approach. Instead, focus on the positive, what will you gain instead of what will you lose.
Reward Yourself And finally, don't wait until you've crossed some mythical finish line to reward yourself. Reward your steps along the way; and seek out others to cheer and support you!
Once you've determined you're main New Year's Resolution, commit to it by determining why that goal is so important to you. It's not what you're doing, but why you're doing it that's key. That one specific goal you set will provide for you the answers to all other decisions you'll be making throughout the year. As always, it's up to you.
