1. BE REALISTIC. Don't confuse reasonable expectations with
realistic expectations. Reasonable means "makes sense."
Realistic means "likely to happen." It may be reasonable to stop
smoking, start a new diet and begin exercising, but it may not
be realistic to change all of them at once.
2.
SET SPECIFIC GOALS. Most people have a clearer idea of how they
want to feel (as in happier, healthier, richer) than they have a
clear picture of what things need to be done to get there. You
know the saying, "Where there's a will, there's a way." The
reverse is more often true, i.e. "Where there's a way, there's a
will." Have a step-by-step plan for how to achieve your goals.
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3.
WRITE IT DOWN. You wouldn't build a house without a blueprint,
would you? Write down what you need to stop doing and what you
need to start doing to reach your goals. Writing down your goals
and plans increases your commitment.
4.
TELL OTHER PEOPLE. Telling other people you're going to do
something increases your commitment. Select people that you
respect and admire, and whose respect you would like to receive.
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5.
USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM. Partner with someone who is also trying to
keep their New Year's resolutions to increase your dedication.
Stopping negative habits and replacing them with positive
behavior is easier when you have a buddy system with a good
friend or co-worker. Doing New Year's Resolutions with another
person reduces the pain of doing without that unhealthy habit
you're trying to break.
6.
ELIMINATE ENERGY VAMPIRES. One reason you fall off diets and
exercise programs is that you need a quick fix every time you
deal with negative people or no-win situations. These can be so
exhausting that you say "the heck with" your diet or exercise
and grab a candy bar or bail on exercising. Find a way to reduce
contact with these people and situations and you'll dramatically
increase your energy and be able to stay on track.
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7.
STICK WITH IT. Realize that it takes 30 days for a change in
behavior to become a habit (this may explain why they give out
30 day chips for maintaining sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous)
and six months for a habit to become a natural part of your
personality.
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