Sticking to Your Resolution
It happens every year – you make a resolution, you swear to keep it and by mid-February, it has fallen by the wayside. Here are a few tips to help you stay focused on your goal, whatever it may be, and stick to your resolution for the long haul.
Start with one, and only one, resolution
If you make too many, you won't be able to completely focus on just one. Which means you may accomplish none. Make one resolution and focus all your attention on it. Once you’ve met that goal, you can set another.
Make your resolution specific and measurable.
Vague resolutions like "I want to get in shape" or "I want to keep the house clean" don’t allow you to hold yourself accountable. A better resolution would be, "I want to walk two miles at least three days a week" or "I want to clear the kitchen counter of clutter as soon as I get home every day."
Let your resolution be known.
Don't keep your resolution to yourself. Write it down in a visible place. Tell all your friends and family about it. By telling people about your intentions, you'll be more likely to report something positive when they ask about your progress.
One mistake does not equal failure.
Allow yourself a little resolution wiggle room. It's O.K. to have a brownie every once in a while, or let the mail pile up during a really busy week. Just don't abandon your resolution altogether – start anew the next meal or the very next day.
Give it time.
Most things worth working toward don't happen overnight. So it's quite all right if it takes you the entire year to accomplish your resolution. Take baby steps, reward yourself when you hit major milestones and your resolution will slowly but surely become just another part of your lifestyle.
If you found this helpful, these articles and forums might help, too:
Article: Five Friends Every Woman Needs
Article: Staying Fit
Forum: Rituals of Renewal
What others are saying
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maritza, 1/9/2009 2:47:23 PM
I THINK IS GOOD, HELP IN SOME QUESTIONS THAT WE HAVE SOMETIMES. -
Tania, 1/9/2009 6:26:32 PM
I hadn't planned on making a resolution, but on New Year's Eve, one came to me. I really need to save money, and I know I drink way too many caffeinated drinks. So, I have resolved to eliminate soft drinks and switch from caffeinated coffee with creamer to decaf without creamer. I chose to start from the point when I finished the products I had already purchased, so I did not start until a few days ago. However, I am already seeing a difference, both in my wallet and in my sleep patterns. -
Jen, 1/9/2009 9:24:13 PM
Some pretty good advice and suggestions for those of us trying to get started AND to keep moving in that positive direction. -
denise, 1/9/2009 9:58:19 PM
good for you tania. Keep it up. -
Guan , 1/10/2009 5:47:56 AM
Nowadays ,I would like to have a very good night sleep and good sleeping posture all night long away from the disturbances and noises from everywhere in order to have a better lifestyle.For the time being ,so far so good the results may seem. -
Mary, 1/11/2009 8:12:24 AM
What an informative site. I only clicked on because I really like your product. But I found out a few things about my resolutions for the new year. I was also able to check things out for my grandaughter. Thanks! -
anne, 1/12/2009 7:11:45 AM
my daughter is getting married next year and i want to lose 30 lbs. i really need to lose 100 but for now this year i will do my best to lose 30lbs. -
Betty, 1/16/2009 3:18:37 PM
I like the way you break the resolutions down and suggest easy steps and not giving up. I personally like the word "goal" instead of resolutions when I want to change something about myself.Looks like a good site. -
Mary Colla, 1/16/2009 11:35:18 PM
My resolution is to put the negative past behind with my ex husband who has not allowed me to move on wholly. This is the month of conclusion and every moment is valuable with my children. -
Christina, 1/26/2010 10:03:04 PM
I always seem to be 5 minutes late to everything, no matter how hard I try to be on time or early. My resolution is to turn that into being at least 5 minutes early. I have had several successful days, and a few unsuccessful ones. BUT, I will continue to keep trying. Anyone who has any advice, I would GREATLY appreciate it! -
saba, 1/27/2010 6:32:10 AM
My New Year Resolution is to loose those extra flabs after my delivery and regaining back my original figure.Moreover I want to be a responsible mother and wife this new year
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