Do you make it a habit to come up with New Year's resolution too? How many do you successfully achieve? How many do you cancel out even before the first month of the year is over?
Do not beat yourself up if you tend to easily give up on your New Year's resolutions. You are not the only one who is guilty of this. The best thing to do is to look at the brighter side. At least, you have the initiative to make some changes and you realise the things that have to be done.
After giving yourself a good pat on the back, then it is time for you to move on to the next stage. That is, putting your resolutions into practice. February is a great month to be getting on with this. Things start to get serious again. Take some time to organise your life. Book that personal trainer, set up some menu plans, give up the drink and acquire some new relaxation techniques
Expectations are everything. One can't expect things to change abruptly as soon as the New Year comes in. Rigid standards lead to difficulty, which results in frustration and giving up. Cut yourself some slack and take some time to adjust to the changes. If you want things to happen the moment the New Year falls, maybe you should start a few months before the year ends.
Starting earlier is effective especially if you want to develop a new habit like exercising everyday or going to bed earlier. It is a fact that the body needs at least three weeks to adjust to a new routine.
It's always helps to list down your resolutions. Have everything written down on a piece of paper and make sure that you keep that list handy. It will serve as your contract with yourself. Keep in mind that contracts should not be violated.
Have a constant reminder too. Put your list in spots you frequently see like the first page of your organiser, your mirror in the bedroom or your message board in your workspace. This will reinforce your commitment to change. For others, they wear things that serve as their reminder. For example, wearing a bracelet could remind you not to smoke cigarettes anymore.
Gear yourself up with discipline and determination. Make sure that your mind is stronger than your wants. If in case you fall back a bit, do not wait for the year to be over and for a new one to start just to get back on track. Everyday can be a new start.
