How to Make (and Keep) New Year's Resolutions

People usually fall into several categories - those who always make resolutions, those who don't and never will, and those who have tried and failed and thus have stopped even trying. Being an inveterate resolution maker, I believe resolutions are a worthwhile and valuable way to better our lives. So for those who may want to try again or try for the first time, I'd like to share my thoughts on how to make and keep your resolutions. First, it's important to understand some of the beliefs that can get in the way and sabotage your efforts.

1. The belief that making resolutions must be done by New Year's Day

• The week from Christmas to New Year's is fraught with social activities, too much wine and food, and too many distractions. Allow yourself to reflect on the past year first.


• Consider what you would like to change in the coming year, but don't make any promises to yourself - yet.


• After the tree has been put on the curb (or planted) and the decorations are packed away, begin to make your list. The first item: Complete list of goals for 2010 by the end of January.

2. The belief that keeping resolutions must start immediately on the 1st of the year

• Since your list won't be complete, you can pitch hint #2 into the wastebasket.


• Look at your list of goals and decide which ones are most important and which ones you can work on later. Trying to change your behaviors or habits all at once is too overwhelming. Instead, establish a time frame for each. Maybe start working on one in February, add one in March, and so on.


• Try to pick one from each category. For example, one health/exercise goal, if that's on your list, one civic if you have things you want to take up for your community and/or church, and perhaps, one for self improvement - like the novel/poem/painting you've really want to start.

3. The belief that establishing goals is simply a matter of knowing what you want to accomplish

• Knowing what you want to accomplish is only the first step. Losing weight, for instance, sounds simple, but it's only the first direction in the mapquest of being successful. Break that goal into bitesize pieces. Establish the directions. Perhaps, "I'll begin by measuring my portions, write down everything that passes my lips, do a calorie count."


• Start gradually. If you've been eating and loving chocolate, don't forego, vow to begin by eating half as much of it as you do now.


• Establish the steps that will come next once you're successful and satisfied with your beginning.

4. The belief that if you've failed to keep your resolutions at the beginning, you should give up

• Set a time frame for yourself to review the goals you've set and decide what you can add or or change to be successful.


• Don't be afraid to amend, change, or redirect your goals.


• Congratulate yourself on small steps forward and don't get discouraged if you slip up. Psychologists suggest it takes three months to change a habit, so stay with it!

I hope you find this helpful. Now I must sign off as I am getting ready to start my list of 2010 resolutions. Oh, one last thought, it's also OK to make the same resolutions year after year, even if you don't succeed every year or for the entire year. Consider the example I used of losing weight. If you manage to maintain that goal in even in small steps for three to six months, you've probably avoided some weight gain!