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As New Year’s Day approaches, the hearts and
minds of those committed to self improvement naturally turn to New Year’s
resolutions, with the instinct and determination of a flock of geese turning
south for winter. Here are five tips for making New Year’s resolutions
stick.
1
Think big. Everyone will tell
you to take baby steps. But baby steps yield baby results. Be bold with your
resolutions and motivation will naturally follow. If you’ve never been an
exerciser, don’t just resolve to start a fitness program, resolve to finish
a 5-mile road race before the year is out (or a marathon, if you’re already
in good shape). Or, instead of resolving to save 10 percent of your income, resolve
to double your income. As the saying goes, “if you can dream it, you can do
it.” 2
Go public. Your resolution
needn’t be a secret. In fact, announce it to as many people as you can. Post
it on a big bright flier in your office or cubicle. Or keep a blog (web-log)
of your progress.
3
Get help. Join a support group, hire a coach or trainer, enlist a
friend to help you in whatever way you may need it. Include role models —
people who have made the same change you’re making — in your network.
4
Create space. Don’t try to shoehorn your resolution into everything
you’re already doing. Make space for it in your life by letting go of other
projects and tasks. Resolve not to do some of the things you’ve been
planning, such as taking a class, making home improvements, or starting a
new hobby.
5
Anticipate setbacks. Be positive even when you realize you’ve
reverted to old behaviors. Lapses are opportunities to refine your plan so
that you stick with it as you get back on track. You may need more support,
less stress, or something else. Remember, setbacks are the rule, not the
exception. Incorporating them into your plan is a key step toward
transforming resolutions into real solutions.
Some people give up on their New Year’s
resolutions before they’ve even started. They need to realize that New
Year’s resolutions can genuinely elicit permanent change. The important
thing is to plan and strategize appropriately, and not to rely exclusively
on willpower.
Bob Merberg, author of
The Health Seeker's Handbook, has used innovative
coaching models to help self improvers break through to their goals for more
than 15 years. He is a faculty member for Wellcoaches Corporation, a
graduate of Coach University, and holds a Master’s degree in Exercise
Science and Community Health. More
information about Bob and his latest book is available through his
website.
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