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Posted
by David Lignell
January 6, 2008 at 5:57 p.m.
How Do You Make A New Year's Resolution Stick?
I'm one of those who used to set New Year's resolutions only to break them after a few days or weeks. (I know I'm not alone.) The thought of saving all of my desired improvements for one day always struck me as a bit silly. Still, the typical resolutions I've had in the past include:1. Lose10 pounds on my belly and keep it off (Hasn't happened for 10 years now.)2. Exercise at least 30 minutes in the morning, 4 5x a week (I'm too inconsistent to see any lasting benefits.)3. Eat more veggies and fruits and a lot less meat (I haven't let go of the highly palatable, fatty foods yet. Wings, Boulevard Pale Ale and Jayhawk basketball:yeah, baby, yeah!)4. Learn conversational Spanish (I didn't have an immediate need to learn it, so I haven't.)5. :Etcetera, etcetera, ad nauseam (Please insert your own failed resolutions here.)Even when I've attempted to write down and track my goals contrary to the Steven Covey principles I've failed miserably. The only thing close to success I've found is when I don't worry about the goal and only keep dimly mindful of it, such as reading on the weekend for escape and pleasure. I don't track the time I should read, or the type of fiction, or the frequency. I just know I enjoy it, so the habit is formed and I read regularly.So here are a few questions for you: How do you make a resolution stick? What tricks have you used to fool yourself? What support seems to work for you? I'm curious about both successes and failures.
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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
Good questions at the time of year when most people have already given up on a large percentage of their resolutions. I think a key to remember is just because I failed today, doesn't mean I will fail tomorrow. Forgive yourself, try again the next day.
A good plan that was told to me by someone physically fit was to make sure they dressed every morning as if they were gong to go work out - they were much more likely to follow through once they had the gear on.
Having a buddy to work out with helps. You don't want to let your buddy down by not showing up and this works both ways. Tell your friends and family if you plan on doing something different. It supposedly makes one more likely to follow through with plans once they are voiced outloud.
Don't try to undertake too many changes at once. Remember it takes over a month of doing something daily for it to be considered a habit.
Good luck all! I am determined to stop betting money on "political" horses the rest of the year.
femail (Linda Hanney) says…
Personally, it helps if the goals are realistic. For instance I also want to loose weight. My goal is five pounds even though I want to loose more.
Also, I do better if I get enough sleep.
liggyon (David Lignell) says…
Ronda and Linda, thanks for your suggestions. Having friends to support one's goals, and a realistic personal goal makes perfect sense. Somehow, though, the unpredictability of life intervenes too often at times. (This is my lame excuse for blaming something outside of my realm of responsibility.)
Ronda, I like the idea of setting up the next day's clothing in expectation of the next day's events. Simple, yet very effective.
Now, to get rid of those wings on basketball nights.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
I know what you are saying about "wings on basketball nights".
Our culture still seems to celebrate most events with food. I know I do and I was also raised to expect dessert after our evening meal - supper back on the ranch!
My children do not expect dessert, it is a rare treat, but we do seem to focus Christmas, Birthdays, other family get to gethers around favorite foods rather than favorite traditions like a family walk at the river.
Old habits die hard, especially when they taste so good!
Agnostick (anonymous) says…
Write it on a Post-It Note, slap it to your forehead.
Reinforce with staples, if necessary.