Everyone talks about making a New Year’s Resolution. It’s a cultural habit we all seemed to have picked up over the years. Here are some fun facts about New Year’s Resolutions:
* Over half of Americans make 3 or more resolutions.
* Top resolutions involve health related issues: Exercise, decreasing work, weight loss, stop smoking/drinking, stress management.
* People generally make more resolutions to START a new habit versus BREAK an old one.
* By mid-year about half abandon their resolution.
* If successful, about 40% did it on their first attempt. The rest made multiple tries- as many as 6 attempts before succeeding.
* If you were successful in achieving resolutions in the previous year, you are more likely to succeed with each succeeding year.
In other words, if you are thinking seriously about making a New Year’s Resolution, stick with it. Even if unsuccessful the first time or two, statistics are on your side if you are persistent.
Most resolutions are generally related to self-care: more exercise, better eating habits, lowering stressful situations, decrease drinking, or to stop smoking. One that seems to be a high priority today for many parents with young children is to downsize schedules and have more time together as a family. Great idea!
No matter what you resolve to do or change for next year, a few tips can help deepen your determination, increase your tenacity, and intensify your steadfastness.
Here are 5 tips to help your New Year’s Resolution stick:
1. Be specific
* If you are changing your work load or decreasing commitments, HOW MUCH?
* If you are going to the gym or excising more often, WHICH DAYS?
* If you are selecting healthier meals, WHAT’S FOR LUNCH?
* When you make your goal explicit, precise and detailed you up the odds for success.
2. Be realistic
* Be kind to yourself. Think of this is a step-by-step approach with small improvements along the way.
* Be truthful in what you can genuinely accomplish. It is always fun to dream, but dreams are just that. Anchor your goal with down-to-earth focus.
3. Share it with some friends
* Look to a few trusted friends, family members or colleagues at work. Not everyone though. Just those you know you can count on for support. Skip those “I told you so” kind of folks.
* Ask for the kind of help that would be the most beneficial to you. They can’t read your mind and may not know what you need to boost your efforts. Do you need a reminder? Are compliments appreciated? Would you like them to join you in this endeavor?
4. Have a target that is measurable
* Setting a deadline could up your stress a bit, but without some sort of timeframe, how will you know when you’ve achieved it?
* Measuring progress is motivating. You can see the results as you compare your progress. This keeps you on track.
5. Include some fun
* Include elements of whimsy or playfulness in your progress. Have a contest with yourself or others. Maybe post your ups and downs on Facebook. Add some humor-you are only human, right?
* Celebrate success during the process. Acknowledge little changes-they grow into big changes!
* Be creative in the ways you acknowledge your progress. Draw pictures, make a video…
Hope these 5 tips will be a helpful boost as you look towards the New Year. May it be a great one for you and your family! Which tips were the most helpful and which ones will you use? Please post on my FB to encourage me and everyone to keep their resolutions www.facebook.com/clearpatheducation
Filed under: Uncategorized
