Keeping New Year's Resolutions
Practical Tips to Fulfill Commitments Made at the Start of the Year
Thinking of turning over a new leaf? Want to quit smoking or lose weight? Well, the New Year is approaching and now is the perfect time to sit down and think about what can be reformed or changed for the better.
Don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions because they never work? Well, that’s because inappropriate strategies are used. Read on to discover how you can keep your New Year’s resolutions.
Be Realistic about New Year’s Resolutions
Don’t be overly ambitious when making New Year’s resolutions. Focus on what is really achievable. Every individual is different and you have to be honest with yourself to know what can be done. For instance, those who plan to lose weight but with absolutely no love for running should not buy a state-of-the-art treadmill. Try brisk walking around the neighborhood park first. This might work better.
Set Measurable Goals
It’s too general when someone says he wants to lose weight. Be specific and create smaller goals that can be accomplished. Dr. Jill RachBeisel, director of community psychiatry at the University of Maryland Medical Center, recommends realistic goals with measurable results.
“Instead of trying to lose 50 pounds, focus on losing five pounds at a time. And instead of losing five pounds a week, focus on losing a pound a week,” RachBeisel was quoted as saying in the article entitled “Where to Begin: Expert Advice on Maintaining Resolutions” that appeared on the University of Maryland Medical Center website.
Get Started on Resolutions Immediately
Once a resolution has been made, work on it. Don’t wait for inspiration to act on the goal, advises Dr. Hinda Dubin, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She says action needs to be taken first and inspiration will follow. And when an action has been initiated, it will be a lot easier to keep going and stay motivated.
Again, start with small steps. Try walking briskly for 10 minutes and pick up more momentum from there onwards. When you’re up to it, increase the time to 20, then 30 minutes.
Don’t be Discouraged by Setbacks
Be prepared to fall short of the goals aimed. The world will not come to an end it that happens. Just pick yourself up and start again. Let the mistake be a lesson and learn to make adjustments as you go along. Don’t completely abandon something that will bring benefits in the long run.
Record Progress of Resolutions
Keep track of the progress. It doesn’t have to be a fanciful log or diary. Even a small paper notebook will do. Jot down how much time is spent exercising or how many cigarettes have been reduced. These records serve as a reminder of what has been achieved and help inspire those who feel down and out.
Share Resolutions with Others
Tell loved ones about the resolutions made. They can give moral support and encouragement, particularly when everything doesn’t seem to be working. If possible, make the same or similar New Year’s resolutions with a friend or family member. The journey is less lonely and the goals seem within easier reach when there is a buddy doing the same thing. You can also give each other encouragement when you feel like giving up.
New Year’s resolutions can be maintained successfully. The trick is to start small and to set realistic and measurable goals. Start working on the goals as soon as possible. If you stumble, don’t despair. Just start again. Recording the progress and engaging the help of friends and family will make the goals easier to attain.
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