How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions: Part 2

As you plan for the coming year, take a moment to read my first post in this series,  How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions – Saying Good-bye to the Past.  You may also subscribe for notification of the final post in this series, Measuring Your Progress and Making Adjustments.

 Most of us have made many New Year’s resolutions over the years. Some people are able to keep them with little effort. Others, have honest intentions that start off strong, and quickly fade as the weeks pass. Many of the resolutions that we set require knowledge, skills, and habits that take time to develop. The difficulty is not in making the resolution, but instead, in the high level of change expected in a short amount of time. Accomplishing a New Year’s resolution is all about change. It’s not easy, but it’s possible. Allow the anticipation of a new year to inspire you. In time, and with help God’s help, change is possible. Make your plans, set your goals, and don’t be disappointed if you’re not perfect. Just make some adjustments, plan again, and continue with your pursuit. It’s not easy, but it is possible to keep your New Year’s resolutions.

Here are some ideas to help you.

1. Make small and easy to manage resolutions. For example, if you want to lose weight, start with a goal to eat a certain amout of fruit and vegetables a day. Decide to drink 8 glasses of water a day. If your goal is to get out of debt, start with a resolution to pay an additional amount on your credit cards. Whatever you decide, make it measurable and manageable.
2. Divide your New Year’s resolutions into quarterly stages. Your first goal will start in January and end in three months. At the beginning of the next quarter, set a new goal for that quarter. If it goes well, take it to a higher level every quarter. If you don’t achieve your goals, don’t give up. Set the same goal at the beginning of the next quarter.
3. Journal your progress, thoughts, and challenges. Use the journal to make adjustments and plan better strategies for success.
4. Share your resolutions with others who will encourage and motivate you. Consider joining a group that has similar goals.
5. Always be willing to forgive yourself, make adjustments, and start fresh.
6. The purpose of a New Year’s resolution is to create new habits that create change and become a way of life. That’s a great goal at any time of the year. So, go ahead, take advantage of the anticipation of the new year and have fun creating New Year’s resolutions that will last. Even if you don’t accomplish all of your goals, your sincere effort, managed well, and adjusted when necessary, will take you much further than doing nothing at all.