How to keep a New Year's resolution

Oct 12, 2008 4:52 PM by SheKnows Editors

Posted in Holidays & Seasons / New Year's / New Year - Your Life

New Year's
Resolutions

Because it's a major transitional time, New Year's provides a convenient occasion to take stock of your life. Millions of people make resolutions, but how do you keep them? The American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers the following 10 tips to help you stick to your New Year resolutions.

10 tips to help you stick to your New Year's resolutions

Resolution Tip 1.

Set resolutions that are realistic and based on your personal history. Learn from your failures. If you want to exercise five days a week and you haven't done it in the past, vow to work out twice a week.

Have a clear plan. Don't just make a resolution, know how you will make it happen.
Be positive. A "can-do" attitude really does make a difference.
Don't talk yourself out of it. No excuses. Just do it.
Be realistic. If your goal is huge and unchartered, set interim goals.

Resolution Tip 2.

Set interim goals. You can't lose 100 pounds or get a PhD overnight. Lose two to three pounds a week, and work toward your doctorate a few credits at a time.

Resolution Tip 3.

Evaluate whether or not you have the skills to attain the goal of your resolution. If you want to start a strength-training program but have never lifted a weight or been inside a gym, there's a good chance you'll get intimidated or confused, or over train and possibly injure yourself. A wiser way to start would be to read a book or surf the Web for information on weight training, or work with a personal trainer until you get acclimated.

Resolution Tip 4.

Write down both your resolution and your plan. Use clear and concise language. A well laid out plan will help to ensure success.

Resolution Tip 5.

Keep track of your progress periodically. Try once a week.

Resolution Tip 6.

Use positive language. The way you talk to yourself really affects your ability to attain your goals. Try to develop a "can-do" attitude.

Resolution Tip 7.

Lose the excuses. Don't say: "It's too late for me to go back to school." Instead, affirm: "There's no age limit to getting a degree" and "Once I get that degree, I'll be able to get a better job."

Resolution Tip 8.

Get support. Reach out to your family, friends or a group of people who share the same goal and who can encourage you if your resolve weakens.

Resolution Tip 9.

Develop coping strategies. Learn how to deal with problems that come up.

Resolution Tip 1.0

Celebrate your "successes" and rebound from your "failures." Take credit for success when you achieve a resolution. If you fail don't blame yourself, just see how you can do better the next time.

SheKnows wishes you a Happy New Year!!

Comments

Comments on "How to keep a New Year's resolution"

Happy New Year everyone! I think this is going to be a great year!

There are a few things that have proven to significantly increase the chances of keeping your (New Year's) resolutions. First, make it public. The more friends (or enemies) know you want to quit smoking or get a new job, the better. Peer pressure can be a good thing. Secondly it helps to have a financial incentive. If you know you will lose a hundred dollars when you light that cigarette, will you still do it? Myself and a few friends took much of the above and created http://www.pledgehammer on our free time. Not only does it help to make and keep resolutions, it also helps charities raise more money via donations. Would be great to get more people to try it out and hear your feedback.