Oscar Wilde was probably right when he described New Year's resolutions as, "something that goes in one year and out the other." That's unfortunate because there is so much promise and potential in ringing in the new year with the hope of greater things to come.
The biggest dragon to slay when it comes to resolutions is to avoid getting overwhelmed by them. We see the entire year at a glance and identify this major change we'd like to see in our life, like losing weight or getting a new job. But, very quickly, we fall victim to the enormous challenge before us and we convince ourselves it's not really all that doable after all.
So, here are three important points to help you keep your resolutions for more than a few days:
The biggest dragon to slay when it comes to resolutions is to avoid getting overwhelmed by them. We see the entire year at a glance and identify this major change we'd like to see in our life, like losing weight or getting a new job. But, very quickly, we fall victim to the enormous challenge before us and we convince ourselves it's not really all that doable after all.
So, here are three important points to help you keep your resolutions for more than a few days:
State the resolution in positive language. Instead of trying to lose so many pounds, say, "I will begin to live a more healthy lifestyle," or "I will become more physically fit this year." That way, it's about what you CAN do, not what you CAN'T.
Make the resolution about action, not just about the end result. In other words, wanting a more healthy lifestyle is a nice resolution, but it doesn't get you very far. By making it about action, you focus on what you need to do to achieve this healthy lifestyle. An example would be that you will begin each day with a 10 minute walk (gradually increasing the distance) or that you will pack a piece of fruit to take to work each day.
Make resolutions for different areas of life. What are the great accomplishments you believe you can make this year if you really go for it? How much more money can you save? How many new business goals can you meet? How can you get more involved at church? When you have multiple resolutions, you're likely to reach a few of them.
Resolutions have gotten a bad wrap. Yet, because we all believe in them to some extent, why not try to improve our odds? The key is to keep the process going all year long. Check out my article on goal-setting as well as my previous post about resolutions for some additional ideas.
Make the resolution about action, not just about the end result. In other words, wanting a more healthy lifestyle is a nice resolution, but it doesn't get you very far. By making it about action, you focus on what you need to do to achieve this healthy lifestyle. An example would be that you will begin each day with a 10 minute walk (gradually increasing the distance) or that you will pack a piece of fruit to take to work each day.
Make resolutions for different areas of life. What are the great accomplishments you believe you can make this year if you really go for it? How much more money can you save? How many new business goals can you meet? How can you get more involved at church? When you have multiple resolutions, you're likely to reach a few of them.
Resolutions have gotten a bad wrap. Yet, because we all believe in them to some extent, why not try to improve our odds? The key is to keep the process going all year long. Check out my article on goal-setting as well as my previous post about resolutions for some additional ideas.
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