Tips for Successful Resolutions

It’s 2009. A new year. A time for some changes?

When I was younger, I believed in making New Year’s resolutions. Since the calendar denoted a new year, I figured it was the perfect time to renew myself. So I set goals such as being more active, eating less chocolate, or getting more organized.

Still, my resolutions always failed. I was never ready to make those changes because I was letting the calendar dictate when I was making changes. Year after year, I made commitments that I was never able to follow through on—until I realized that my path to change lied within myself.

Commitment is essential to successful beginnings. Believe in yourself and remember that if you really want to make a change, you have the power.

Once you commit:

Write down what change you are going make. If you have a long-term goal in mind—such as losing 20 pounds—make sure you keep it timely by creating a plan with checkpoints along the way.

Be specific. Don’t just tell yourself you want to eat less junk food; pinpoint what foods you tend to overindulge in and decide what you will do to cut down. For many, knowing that one cookie often leads to other cookies can be a powerful tool.

Be aware of your barriers. Some popular barriers to change include lack of time and energy. Once you know your barriers, figure out ways to overcome them. If you tell yourself you do not have time to exercise, create 10-minute intervals for physical activity. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or place the printer in another room so you get out of your seat more.

Remember to set realistic goals. If your goal is too challenging, you are setting yourself up for failure. No one is perfect and mishaps do happen. If you fall off the wagon, just get back on. Don’t let a box of cookies prevent you from eating better.

The year 2009 may be a time for changes, or perhaps it isn’t. But it’s up to you to decide.

Erin