Monday, January 9, 2012

How do you keep your New Year Resolution?

 
Every time you move into another year you make some resolution(s)…you are thinking about what it didn’t work in the last year, and what you can improve.
Or not even that – you think at your new self facing new challenges. The thing is there is not a new you, it’s the old you striving to be better. And the thing is these resolutions you make at the beginning of the year, you keep them for about…a few months, and then your old habits are back in place.

But how do you create habits? Oh, it may sound strange but it is very simple. By repetition!
1. Why New Year?
When you want to bring some change in your life you don’t need a special day. You can pick any day of the year will work. Just plan it right “From this day on, I will…” If it helps you, yes, pick a special day like New Year, your birthday, your anniversary, your child birthday. Is just to have a date to relate to.
2. How realistic is your resolution?
Pick a goal that is achievable by your own strength. Choosing a concrete, achievable goal also helps you plan exactly how you are going to achieve your goal.
3. How many?
Pick one. The rest may be just tools to achieve that goal.
4. What action?
Start with small steps. If you overwhelm yourself from the beginning you will be tired and bored faster. It may be a slow start, but these small changes make it easier to stick to your new habits and increase the likelihood of long-term success.
5. How long to develop a good habit?
Those habits that you have developed over the years, do not expect a new one to form itself in a week. Do it daily and work on it continually. Make a schedule for your activities.
6. Same mistakes?
Is this your third year when you chose the same resolution? Before you do that, analyse what went wrong, why you couldn’t keep it or why you didn’t achieve your goal. Change your approach and address what went wrong.
7. Roadblocks?
Give me any situation in this world that has not encountered even a potential roadblock. The path toward your goal is not a straight one, and there are always going to be challenges. Even if you have to go through a situation that will put you out of track, prepare the “crisis plan” and get back to your project as soon as possible.
8. Anyone else?
Definitely you are not the only person in the world with that goal. Find your supporters, your fellow partners and work together in achieving your goal. They are also the ones that you will help you get back on track if you fail to follow the steps.
9. What’s your motivation?
You need to find your own motivation, not what other think. What’s your reason for doing and wanting this? Then, you can find inspirational sources to help you in the process.
10. Why do you give up?
You have lost your enthusiasm. There are other activities that appear. So…Renew your motivations! Find new inspirational sources. Review the schedule and reorganize, if necessary. Keep a journal or a board. It may sounds strange, but you can keep track of this. After x steps completed give yourself a reward. If you fail to complete x steps give your self a punishment ( something that you like – and will not do or have for x time)

Changing behaviour is not a fast and easy process. It takes time and dedication. And don’t forget to Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!

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