What New Year's Resolution?

It's almost February, and I haven't made any progress on my New Year's Resolutions, which are 1) eat less candy, 2) read more books and 3) be more positive. I really would like to accomplish at least two of these things, but like 99% of the world, I'm having a hard time keeping them top of mind.

According to surveys, only 8% of Americans successfully achieve their New Yearʼs resolutions. Why is it so hard to stick to our guns and actually follow through? Same reason that you canʼt get to an unknown destination without a map: you have to have a plan. This plan, along with willpower, is the only thing that insures success and a feeling of triumph by the time 2012 rolls around. Here are a few tips that will help with that plan and lead to resolution success.

1. Set realistic and appropriate resolutions. If youʼve never run a mile in your life, running your first marathon in 2011 will seem excruciatingly daunting. Instead, set a goal to run once a week, then three times, building up to a 5 or 10K. This will keep you from feeling like gigantic failure when you head out for your first long run on a Saturday morning and wonder how youʼre going to make it through the next 10 weeks of training (and if that $110 entry fee is
refundable).

2. Be accountable. Donʼt just think about your resolutions, write them down. Then theyʼre there, as a contract and agreement with yourself. Post them on the fridge, an even better idea if you have a weight-related resolution! Use friends and family for accountability as well. Come February or March, check in on each other to see how your resolutions are coming along.

3. Have a plan of attack. If youʼre resolving to quit smoking, youʼre going to run into severe temptation when youʼre out with friends who smoke. Choose to hang out with them at non-smoking establishments (aka - the entire city of Chicago), or have your response planned when they offer you a cigarette. And remember, your friends should want to support you.

4. Track your progress. Set certain benchmarks that will help you measure how far youʼve come since January 1st. Continual improvement is more probable when you can see the progress youʼve made and the difference between your old and new habits. Wanting to become less of a pack rat? Clean out your dresser first, then move on to the bathroom, then finally, the closet. Youʼll feel more and more organized and streamlined with each task you check off the
list.

5. Reward yourself. When your resolution becomes a reality, itʼs time to celebrate! Treat yourself at a restaurant youʼve been dying to visit with the money you saved by only going to Starbuckʼs 2 times a week instead of 5. After all, resolutions are never easy. And big accomplishments deserve a prize!

Donʼt be like many people and not set a resolution because youʼre afraid of failure. I think weʼve all learned that weʼre capable of doing things we thought were impossible for us. So decide on your resolution. Set a goal. Make a plan. And celebrate your accomplishments next December 31st. I will be celebrating by eating some candy as a reward. :)