New Years Resolutions

Welcome to the 2009! (And did I mention…January is Numbers Month!) Everyone is so thrilled that it is the start of a new year, a fresh new start. Are you a person who makes New Year resolutions and never seem to keep them? Well, you’re not the only one! Many Americans struggle to get those goals or things they have always wanted to accomplish. Though we have all the best intentions in keeping them, they don’t always work out. Here’s the scoop.

1. Resolutions:

• Statistics show that when you make resolutions, only 46% of you will continue your determination past 6 months.

   2. The plus side to resolutions:

• You always have the best intentions.
• If you keep them; good for you!

   3. The not so good side to resolutions:

• Unfortunately many do not accomplish that second bullet point in number 2…
• Without motivation and a plan of action, it is hard to even start to accomplish your goals. Usually when you do not want to do something (like working out), you probably won’t, or you will not do it to the degree needed.
• By separating your resolutions into categories (such as Short term, Mid term, and Long term), you may feel pressured into accomplishing your goals within that category/time period. For example, if you have a short term goal, you may feel like you need to accomplish it super fast because it is in that category.
• You may focus on the actual goal, and not the process of acheiving that goal. An example could be, losing so many pounds. Chances are, you are setting this goal simply for the physical side of the goal, and not the internal side of the goal. Your mindset is probably on fitting into those pair of jeans, or into that bathing suit for the summer. However, you do not realize that if you set a goal like this one, you should do it to improve your health.

   4. More effective ways to get results:

• Learn from your mistakes (yes…just as your mother would say). If you truly believe that you made a mistake that you are willing to fix, then use that motivation to achieve that goal.
• Make a plan. If you are sure that you want to accomplish a certain goal, make a plan on how to do it. An idea would try to use the 5 W’s to help you. Who will motivate you?, What will motivate you? and/or, What is a good span of time to accomplish this?, Where will be the best place to accomplish this?, When will be the best time?, and most importatntly, WHY do I want to accomplish this?

The Why part is the most important. If you ask yourself, why do I want to accomplish this, and let yourself honestly answer, this could be the answer to if you are really motivated, or if you have the best intentions. If you follow this, this may be just the thing to accomplishing what you have always wanted.

Have a great 2009!

-Hope