I was considering not doing New Year Resolutions this year. I've never
been really successful at them. But then, I had a change of heart.
I've heard and read a lot of great advice over the years and I believe
if I just follow it, I can make it this year!! I also am getting older,
so my desire to improve myself has been increasing. Below are my five
favorite tips on how to make sure you keep your New Years Resolutions.
1. Ask yourself, are your resolutions realistic? Try
to avoid comparing to others. Someone might set a goal to lose 200 lbs,
or to run a marathon, or to make a million dollars. If they accomplish
those, that is great for them! But some of those goals are not very
realistic depending on our individual situation. Personally, I do have a
resolution to start exercising and be able to run a mile again. If I
say I'll run a marathon... well, I'll give up very early on because
that isn't realistic for me. Then I probably won't exercise or be able
to run a mile by the end of 2017.
2. Start Planning Now. Decide on your resolutions now
and start planning on what you are going to do to act on them. Don't
wait until after the 1st! Your momentum and desire may not be there if
you wait.
3. Have a Structured Plan. Don't just say you are
going to accomplish something. Create a plan that includes steps on how
you will reach it. Does it involve making time in your schedule? If
so, plan out your future days to make sure you have that time. Would it
help to have steps working up to the goal? On a personal note, I have
made it a resolution to rid of 2017 things from my house during 2017.
So, if I break it down, that is only six items a day. Now, it doesn't
seem so bad, and I have a plan to accomplish it.
4. Find Support, We are only human and can be easily
discouraged or distracted. Find a personal or a group that will hold
you accountable. If you report progress, they can be your cheerleader.
But they need to be comfortable in pushing you if they see you have
fallen behind. For my resolution of getting rid of 2017 items, I have a
Facebook group that is set up primarily for that. We are instructed to
take a picture every day, or list every day, the items we remove from
our house. As far as my goal to be able to exercise, I'm not so sure
about that. I really don't have anyone to make sure I am doing that or
to support me. So, I'm not as optimistic about that.
5. Start new behaviors NOW. Don't wait until January
1st to start your resolution goals. If your goal is to lose weight,
don't view Christmas as the last HOORAH! before starting a diet. Start
eating healthy now. I have already started making piles and boxes of
things to donate to help me with my resolution. Haven't exercised yet,
but it's been cold. (6th tip: Don't be like me and make excuses!)
Until next time, continue living the #BCOdream!
Casey Mondle
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