by Kantha Wijeratne

Created on: December 26, 2008

The dawn of a new year fills us with hope and excitement. We feel motivated to make some positive changes in our lives and realize our dreams. Be it to lose those extra pounds, stay fit, land that dream job, study or travel, New Year resolutions offer a great way to start anew. The best way to stick to your New Year resolutions and ensure they do not fizzle out in a few weeks, is to consider the following.

Stick to 3-5 resolutions: New Year resolutions are about transforming dreams to reality. They require planning and goal setting. In our zeal to achieve much, the first mistake we make is start out with too many resolutions. Sticking to 3-5 resolutions is best. That way, there is enough time to concentrate on planning and tracking progress in a few select areas.

Make SMART goals: Each dream that we aspire to needs to be broken down in to smaller goals to be attained over a period of time. In keeping to the popular SMART acronym ensure that the identified goals are Specific, Measurable- by quantity or value, Attainable, Realistic and Time bound. Stick to this plan. Track progress in a chart or log book. There will be many milestones to celebrate as you work toward that ultimate goal.

Declare your New Year resolutions: Usually our resolutions are known only to us, set down in a personal journal However, letting family and friends know about these good intentions brings on an added commitment to realize them. A supportive group can provide moral support when the going gets tough. And cheer you on when each milestone is reached.

Form a buddy system: Another way to achieve your goals is to partner with someone who shares your dream. Whether it is stay fit or become proficient in a skill such as writing or learning a language, a buddy will welcome a mutual arrangement of support and celebration. Regular meetings and supportive phone calls can help to track each others progress.

Visualize your dreams: Visualization is a powerful motivational too that is used to good effect by athletes and other performers. You can use it too, to achieve your resolutions. By imagining the effect of the end result in minute detail, whether it is wearing a dress that is two sizes smaller or working in that dream job, the motivation to stick to your goals and hone those skills, develops further. Visualization prepares you mentally for the positive change that you are trying to bring about in your life.

Reward yourself for good work: Each one of us, whether old or young, welcomes praise and

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>