Oh yes, it’s that time of year again, New Year’s resolution time. Each year, millions of Canadians will resolve to kick their bad habits. This can range from smoking to losing weight. And, each year many will fail at these goals. By following a simple plan, you can be well on your way to maintaining your resolution.
Before making a resolution, have a heart to heart talk with yourself. What is it about your life that you do not like? Is there a feasible way to change it? Will the goal benefit your life? By answering these questions, you can set a resolution that is easy to achieve.
The key to success in any resolution is being well prepared. Keep a diary of your daily activities. This will include things like television viewing and eating habits. Once you have a general idea of how you spend your time, you can begin making small changes toward your goal. For instance, if fitness with weight loss is your main goal then see where you can free up some time. Perhaps you can plan a kickboxing class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. After kickboxing, prepare a light/healthy dinner and go to bed early. You are committing two nights per week toward your goal. If two classes are too much, then commit to one evening. Set small goals and build on them. On the other days, incorporate a little cardio into your day i.e. walk up a flight of stairs.
Many people will fail at resolutions because they try to give bad habits up too quickly. By doing this, one will feel deprived or overwhelmed and go back to their old routine.
Tell your family and friends about your goals. They can serve as a great support system for you.
Maintaining a resolution will not be easy. If you have set up many resolutions, prioritize and focus on one at a time. This will help you stay focused. Hold yourself accountable. Do not blame failure on others. Remember, it is up to you to change bad habits. When failure occurs, and it will, do not give up, get right back at it. Persistence will pay off. Set small goals that are easy to achieve. Once you have reached these smaller goals, reward yourself. Keep track of your progress from start to finish in a journal or calendar. Determination is the key ingredient for success with your resolution. You can do it! Happy New Year Everyone.
