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| How to Keep a New Year's Resolution |
| Author: Venice Kichura |
| Submitted by: Sonia Nunes |
| Category: Canada: Ontario |
| Date Added: January 02, 2010 10:02:06 PM |
| The ringing in of a new year is an opportunity many people use to make resolutions. There’s just something fresh about starting over that gives someone energy to change bad old habits into healthy new ones. Almost half of Americans admit to making New Year’s resolutions. Among the top three are losing weight, quitting smoking and exercising more. Making a resolution isn’t hard. It’s keeping them that challenging. According to a study done by John Norcross of the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, only about 19 percent of people who make New Year’s resolutions stick to them for two years. Limit New Year’s Resolutions Too often people are too ambitious, making too many resolutions just because it’s the beginning of a new year. Instead of a list full of resolutions focus on the one that’s most important. In other words, have no more than one or two resolutions as too many goals may be too overwhelming and cause failure. Make Realistic Resolutions New Year’s resolutions should be realistic. When a resolution is unrealistic it’s likely it won’t be achieved. Think about what is attainable and what isn’t. For example, perhaps it’s not possible to lose 100 pounds this year, but 30 pounds is a more practical goal. On the other hand, determine to lose as much as possible, taking it one day at a time. When losing weight certain factors should be considered such as health and age. Be Specific about a Resolution Resolutions and goals are best met when they’re specific instead of general. For example, rather than resolving to “lose weight”, a dieter should set up a plan for weight loss. Writing down every morsel of food that's eaten or making out a menu and deciding how to stick to it are examples of how to be specific in making goals. Discover What Triggers a Bad Habit Usually bad habits are linked to certain triggers. For example, many people smoke when stressed. On the other hand, a compulsive smoker can light up a cigarette to celebrate just about any occasion. Just be being aware of a trigger can help stop a negative behavior.Ignoring a trigger to “fall off the wagon”can give confidence the next time a temptation is encountered. Rather than just ignore a trigger to smoke or overeat, it’s even better to channel a behavior in a positive direction such as taking a walk or enjoying a favorite hobby. Hang Out with Good Role Models People making resolutions to lose weight but only socialize with friends who share the same struggles need to find better role models. Because people are more likely to copy behaviors of those with whom they socialize, it’s important that people trying to change their bad habits find new friends who have similar goals. This doesn't mean dumping a fat friend, but entails including new friends whose lives don't focus on food. Be Accountable Besides finding new friends,pick out someone for accountability purposes. Make sure it’s not someone who will offer condemnation, but is compassionate, yet strong enough to provide encouragement. Even better, find someone who’s shooting for the same goal,such as exercising. In addition to giving moral support, an accountability buddy can share tips on what works or doesn't work for him. Finally, learn to deal with setbacks. Because setbacks are a part of recovery, people who slip and fall shouldn’t be surprised when setbacks occur. Unfortunately, too many people give up when encountering a bump in the road. When this happens it’s important to promptly get up and just keep going on the road leading to an achieved goal.  |
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