The Christmas decorations are safely out of sight and Auld Lang Syne’s a distant echo. All that’s left is to prove that you can stick to your New Year’s resolutions and defy the cynics who say that most New Year’s resolutions are forgotten before Easter.
Five keys for sticking to New Year’s resolutions
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- Ensure that your resolutions are achievable. If you aim too high, they become unrealistic and you set yourself up for failure. For instance, if you want to lose weight, decide to lose five kilograms at a time until you finally reach your ideal weight. That way your goal feels more achievable and you will stay motivated.
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- Few people can quit a bad habit “cold turkey” as most people find it far too confrontational to do so. If you want to live more healthily, for example, decide to gradually eat less chocolates or red meat or cut your daily smoking habit in half rather than to stop outright.
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- Don’t be discouraged if a resolution that you made a previous year did not work out. Take time to examine why you failed to achieve your goal and make adjustments accordingly.
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- Be specific. If you resolve to lose weight, for example, decide exactly how much weight you want to lose and how you are going to lose it. If you want to find another job, decide exactly what type of job you would like to do, establish what skills are needed to do the job, acquire the necessary skills if necessary and find out which companies might be prospective employers. In other words, have a specific goal in mind, decide what is needed to achieve your goal and make it happen.
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- Surround yourself with people or a special friend who will provide moral support and help you to stay motivated. If possible, include people who have the necessary skills or expertise related to your goal. If you want to become more fit, find a personal trainer; if you want to quit smoking, ask a friend who has mastered the habit to help you stay realistic and focused.
Sources
www.apa.org
www.webmd.com
Revised by M Collins