by Shaheen Darr

Created on: December 10, 2008   Last Updated: October 12, 2010

As another New Year approaches the natural response is to make new resolutions that we hope we will keep this year. Some of us want to get in shape by eating better and keeping fit while others want to achieve career success or have a better job. How can we make successful New Year resolutions that we will be able to keep and not break every year?

BE REALISTIC: Only make goals that you know are achievable. Do not try to make impossible goals like hoping to lose 2 stones in weight when you know that even losing 1 stone will be a challenge. Change this goal to a more realistic life long goal of eating smaller and healthier meals which will help you lose weight slowly but steadily.

TAKE SMALL STEPS: The resolution of going to the gym 3 times a week might work for a month or two but gradually you find yourself reducing this to 2 times a week and slowly even once a week seems difficult. Change this resolution to a more achievable one by stretching and toning your body in the comfort of your home for at least 20 minutes whenever it is convenient. Going for a brisk walk to buy that pint of milk and parking your car two stops away from where you work will also add to your exercise quota for the week. Taking little steps like these will not be difficult but achievable and easier to stick to throughout your life.

LEARN TO RELAX: Modern living has brought with it unwanted stress that we should learn to deal with in new and different ways. Change the resolution of "stop stressing" to one that says "stop and breathe". This will be a signal for you to take a step back and deep breathe for 5 minutes each time you feel stressed out and unable to cope. Leaning to move away from a stressful situation will give you the strength to deal with it a little later when you have calmed yourself.

CHOOSE SMALLER GOALS: The goal of getting a better job can be replaced by "get further training" so that you start taking steps to get up the career ladder slowly and improve your earning prospects while doing so.

BE PRACTICAL: We all need to save especially in today's times but do not make a promise to save an amount that is impractical and impossible. Change this resolution to one that says "look for cheaper options". Learn to budget by looking for deals and offers which leave you extra money in your pocket to put away each month.

The key therefore is to avoid making resolutions that are too far fetched or impossible to achieve. Try and be practical and introduce habits that will not only be easy to maintain but will also give you the satisfaction of knowing that you have started making small positive changes that will last a lifetime and not just for a year.

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