by Emmluu

Created on: December 10, 2008   Last Updated: May 14, 2010

Every year people make New Year's resolutions and never fulfill promises made. What's the problem? Well, the problem is not doing what we need to do to better our life; it is following through despite any challenges or obstacles that come our way. One mistake made and the resolution plans cease until another point in time when we feel ready to tackle the project again. Unfortunately, we are too hard on ourselves. The way to make healthy and successful New Year's resolutions is not only to be realistic about the goal but also to be realistic about the journey towards the goal.

How do we have healthy and successful journeys towards our resolutions? In the planning and execution of the planning. First, one should decide what kind of goal they want to achieve. It should be one goal-no more. Most of the time we pick something that is going to be an ongoing project so it's better to just concentrate on one rather than have to worry about dealing with multiple projects. Once we achieve a goal and have a good handle on continuing our path with it then we can proceed to the next life-changing project. If you have multiple resolutions, pick the easiest one to achieve first.

How do we plan the steps to our goal? Set mini-goals you can achieve the day you make them. Taking small, realistic steps helps you see your day-to-day progress. Provide a distraction in case you feel temptation creeping upon you. It keeps your mind from wanting to concentrate on the habit you are trying to change. Also, realize changing one habit may mean a whole lifestyle change. You have to decide if this is a task you can handle. It requires patience, tolerance, strength and determination. Another way to handle any challenge is to find a hobby and/or a resolution buddy.

Example: You want to have a healthier diet but sugary and fried foods tempt you. Every day make a resolution not to eat one particular type of food and provide an alternative food. Tell yourself one day you will not eat any cheeseburgers at all, instead you will eat an apple. However, if you fall off the wagon and have the cheeseburger, do not feel you have failed and stop your journey. Just pick up where you left off and keep going. Forgive yourself for making the mistake and move on. The lifestyle change is you would also need to change your shopping list. Buy only the foods you know you should be eating and put them in the front of your refrigerator. Call your resolution buddy; make plans to pursue a hobby together.

These steps apply to any type of resolution you make. It takes discipline and repetitive behavior. If you have to take a year to meet your goals, it's better than waiting another year to start again. Remember: to err is human, to forgive divine, to achieve goals takes time.

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