It's that time of year again! Whether you have decided to quit smoking, lose a few pounds, or simply get more organized in your daily life, the majority of you make some type of New Year's resolution every year. Unfortunately, statistics show that the the majority of people who make a resolution break it within one month, and less than 20% make it through the entire year. The reason these resolutions fail is not so much a lack of willpower on the person's part, but rather a lack of a plan.
A foolproof plan is needed to keep your New Year's resolution going, and lucky for you I have outlined such a plan below. Keep reading to learn how to achieve your goals once and for all!
A foolproof plan is needed to keep your New Year's resolution going, and lucky for you I have outlined such a plan below. Keep reading to learn how to achieve your goals once and for all!
6 STEPS TO NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION SUCCESS
1. Outline a specific action plan.
Instead of saying "I want to lose 20 pounds," write down all the steps you will take to get there--the what, when, why and how. Example: In order to improve my health/lose weight, I will walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and I will cut out 500 calories/day.
2. Set small goals.
It's easy to get overwhelmed and give up, and setting small goals along the way will you toward your overall goal and prevent discouragement.
3. Develop a support group.
Find a group of friends or associates who are working toward the same goal as you and work with them to achieve that goal. Teamwork equals success.
4. Stay positive.
If your resolution requires changing some major life habits, it's not going to be easy. You will stumble once in a while. Do not give up! Post inspirational reminders on your bathroom mirror. Forgive yourself if you slip up, and keep going.
5. Picture yourself succeeding.
Close your eyes and picture yourself after you have reached your goal. You no longer wake up with tightness in your chest. You look good in your clothing. Your house is clean and organized. Can you see it? Good! Keep that image in your mind and draw upon it when you need inspiration.
6. Reward yourself.
For each milestone you achieve, reward yourself--that new book you've wanted to buy, a night out with friends, whatever. And when you hit the big goal--CELEBRATE! You did it!
