The Start of the Resolution Season

So…it’s the first Monday of the New Year. Did you start your resolutions yet? I think the New Year is a good time to give your self a fresh start, so it’s the perfect time to try to knock out those bad habits and start positive ones. The problem is that the enthusiasm that you have as the year is new slowly recedes to the same old same old as the holidays fade and life returns to normal. I think that’s why so many people struggle with keeping their resolutions. Those who have been most successful actually have to make a conscious decision to change their behavior. It’s nice to think “I’m going to lose 10 pounds”, but in order to make it happen, you have got to put a plan in place. And it must be a realistic plan. Don’t start off with too difficult or too aggressive a plan---ease into it. Remember the fable…slow and steady wins the race. Also having a support system can be wonderful. You don’t have to have the same type of goals in mind, but just having someone who is helping to hold you accountable helps keep you on track.

As for me, I have a list of 12 resolutions that I plan to accomplish in 2010. Some are giving up bad behaviors (eating unhealthy, not exercising) and some are adding good behaviors (need to read more, need to reach out to friends more often), but all in all, I am working on growing and improving myself to be the best me that I can be. It’s day 4 and so far I am still on track. Here are the hints that I will be following to keep my New Year’s Resolutions:

• I’ve created manageable goals. Baby steps. Change doesn’t happen overnight and perfection takes even longer.
• I’ve set up periodic (weekly and monthly) check points so that I will know if I am getting off track.
• I’ve got several friends who I will be checking in with to report my progress; and they are committed to hanging in with me for the entire year.
• I’ve set up a plan to get back on track if I stray off my plan. I will re-evaluate the original resolution to see if it needs to be re-stated or adjusted, I will forgive myself for getting off track, and (most important) I will get back to it.

I will check in periodically to let you know how I am doing. And if you’d like, feel free to tell me how you are doing with your resolutions. Until then, good luck starting and keeping your resolutions! It’s a new day…a new year…and you CAN do it!!

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