I hope 2012 is a year full of joy, health, and many wonderful fun family times.
I have been thinking for several weeks about New Year’s resolutions. Looking back at my old lists, they are pretty much all the same: lose weight, eat healthier, get out of debt and save money, spend more time with my family, get organized, and the list goes on. Every New Year I vow this year will be the one that I stick with my resolutions. And here it is, 2012, and did I even accomplish my 2011 goals?
No I didn’t. Did you?
What are we all doing wrong? I don’t think my goals are impossible. Some habits might be a little difficult to change, but isn’t change good? I have been asking some friends for suggestions and thoughts, and have been online searching for the best advice I can find. While I am no expert, I think I have found some things that might help (at least me) move towards following through on my New Year’s resolutions.
The following tips are stemmed around a new, yet basic, mindset. A friend posted this quote on her Facebook page and I am stealing it (with credit to Amber Kopp of course!):
I'm not looking to make New Year’s resolutions -- I'm trying to make New Life Solutions.
- Simply put, make New Life Solutions- aim to make a change in your life for the better!
- What are your reasons for doing this? Be honest – losing weight to look good or to be healthier? Whatever your reason, write it down and make it be compelling enough to keep you moving forward AFTER the new year.
- Begin by adding things, not taking away. For example, if your goal is to eat healthier, really stick to the food pyramid and increase your fruits and vegetables every day. Chances are, these healthier snacks will take over the things that you shouldn’t be eating. Or, plan to eat your vegetable first and double the amount you usually eat. That way, you’ll be fuller when it comes time to eat things that aren’t as good for you.
- Find Help: This can be in many forms:
-Find an ‘expert’ you can hire or who has published books or articles about the same goal. Or if it is medically related, visit your family doctor.
-Find a friend who has achieved the goal you want. For example, if you want to get out of debt, talk to a friend who is debt free. This can be a win/win for you and a friend, especially if you have a skill that she desires. For example, if you can cook and your neighbor is a financial wiz, swap…teach each other.
-Join an official support group
-Start an unofficial support group- this can as informal as getting a group of friends to meet a couple times a week to walk or swap babysitting so you can go back to school
- Get the kids involved. If your goal is more family time, then set one night a week (or more) that is entirely for family time, no phones, computer, TV (if you choose). If your kids are old enough, let them hold you accountable. If the kids know Saturday night is no-work time then they can hold you too it. If you make the kids eat their veggies, you eat yours as well. Allowing them to see you make positive changes can help shape a positive future for them.
- Set realistic mini goals to help you achieve a long-term larger goal - Instead of saying you will exercise every day, start with 2-3 days a week and then add more. When you set mini goals and achieve them you are more likely to achieve the big goal.
- Expect setbacks. Accept that there will be days that you will not eat a veggie or fruit at every meal or you might not save as much money one week. Be kind to yourself and allow for setbacks.
I wish you all the luck and success!
