Keep Your Resolutions Simple
People often kick off the new year by trying to overhaul their entire lifestyle, but this is simply a recipe for disappointment. It’s understandable that people want to change all their undesirable traits at once, but experience shows these things can’t all be achieved. The best approach is to focus clearly on one or two of your most important goals.
Be Specific
For resolutions to be successful, they should be specific. Instead of saying “I need to exercise more,” say “I will go to the gym Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30 to 6:30.” That way you’re more likely to actually make good on your commitment.
Measure Progress
“If you can measure it, you can change it” is a fundamental principle of psychology. Whether your resolution is losing weight or cutting down on smoking, keep track of where you started and how far you’ve come. These feedback loops will be a source of motivation as you reflect on your progress. They will also help you to know when you are hitting a plateau or slipping backward, so you can adjust your efforts.
Make Time to Achieve Your Resolution
Many of us are so busy that it’s hard to meet all of life’s commitments, let alone the New Year’s resolutions we’re voluntarily taking on. This is why it’s important to schedule gym sessions into your calendar just like you would a meeting or doctor’s appointment. Set an alarm on your phone to alert you 30 minutes before you’re supposed to go to the gym. When you feel like skipping your workout, these little reminders can help give the extra kick you need to get out the door.
Be Patient
Progress is seldom linear. The final and most crucial step to achieving your New Year’s resolutions is to be patient and persistent. Why? Because it’s not going to happen overnight. The more important your goal is, the longer it’s going to take; the more significant it is, the more discipline it’s going to require. Some people will see rapid gains only to hit resistance later in their efforts. For others, initial progress may be painfully slow but then they suddenly achieve rapid breakthroughs. Making lasting change takes time.
Source: Huffington Post