Sticking to Your Resolutions
Every January 1st, just about everybody sets resolutions for the new year. They view the beginning of the year as a chance to make a change in themselves. However, very few of these resolutions ever last until February 1 because changing yourself is a difficult process.
Even if it’s not the beginning of the year, there is probably something that you wish were different about yourself. But setting a resolution does not have to simply be doomed to failure. Follow these tips from Mark McCool, founder of CyberWize, to help you stick to and achieve your goals and resolutions:
1. Keep your resolutions achievable. If you are a couch potato, it is unlikely that you will stick to a resolution to work out for an hour every day. Start with a resolution that is more realistic, such as working out for an hour 3 days a week.
2. Make your resolutions specific, so that you will know when you have achieved them. Don’t just say that you will have money in a savings account – specify exactly how much you want to save and how much you will set aside each week to reach that goal.
3. Focus on a few goals at a time – having too many is overwhelming.
4. Write your resolutions down and track your progress. This will help you stay on track and will be great for looking back and seeing how far you have come.
5. Be accountable to someone, whether it is your spouse, parent, sibling, or friend. Have someone that you talk to about your resolutions. They will praise you as you make progress and encourage you if you get off track.
6. If you mess up, don’t give up. Too often we slip back into our old habits and rather than rededicating ourselves to our goals, we give up on them completely. As the saying goes, if you fall off the horse, get back on it.
7. Once you reach your goal, set a new resolution. Self improvement is a continuous process that you should continue all year long, not just at the beginning of the year.
