Maintain Your New Years Resolution
Challenges Can Derail the Best Intentions for Breaking Old Habits
Jan 7, 2009
Now that the new year is in full swing, ask yourself a question. “How well am I maintaining my New Years resolution?” What is your answer? If you answered, “far so good”, commend yourself - you’re on your way. If you answered, “not so well”, don’t be too hard on yourself. You still have plenty of time to do well. If you took the time to declare "I will"--quitting smoking, weight loss, exercising regularly, eating more fruits and vegetables each day or whatever you decided, it must be important to you.
Your new years resolution is a nourishing incitement to your self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth and general well-being. Which bring us to the next point, how to maintain consistency until your resolution becomes a habit. There are some basic ideas you can implement to keep yourself on track.
Consider the following:
- Reminding yourself of your reasons for selecting your new years resolution; it is obviously something you have been meaning to do, get, or be; but for whatever reason you have been putting it off. Remember, this was your choice, you really want to accomplish this, don’t forget it!
- If your new years resolution requires specific items, make sure you have them handy. For example, if you goal is to eat more fruits and vegetables each day, make sure you have them accessible. If you want to read vocational materials for 30 minutes each day go to the library, bookstore or download the information before hand so you have it available at the designated time each day.
- If your new years resolution requires, action do it. Throw out all ashtrays and have mints, sugar free candy, nuts, flavored toothpicks or whatever you need to fight the urge to smoke. You say you want to get up 30 minutes earlier each day to stretch and meditate, set your clock 30 minutes earlier and get when it rings. Buy DVD’s or books that demonstrate the basic techniques of your endeavors. Not knowing where to begin or what to do will discourage any action on your part.
- Scheduling is paramount to the success of your new years resolution. Determine the most opportune time to walk, read, clean out the basement, visit your grandparents or whatever you resolved to do this year. Random attempts will fall short eventually. Make a schedule and stick to it. Build in alternate times for those unforeseen curveballs. Not preparing is a sure the recipe for failure.
- Hold yourself accountable for your actions or lack there of. You don’t have go on a guilt trip, but affirm your desire and stay strong; if you need to, tell friends, family or co-workers to nudge you gently if they witness you slipping. Or better yet, find a partner. Even if the resolutions are not the same, resolve to support each other by whatever means you deem helpful.
- Reward yourself for your success. As your progress moves you closer your goal, as you sustain forward momentum, treat yourself. Buy a new outfit with the money you saved not buying cigarettes, have special dinner for losing weight, by a new flat screen television for the basement you cleaned out. Honor yourself and your success.
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