by Sarah Belle

Created on: February 22, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

The honeymoon period is over. You're done with the new-year-optimism and, like most people, have probably given up on your resolutions already. Well, it's not too late to get back on track!

A common reason we fail to achieve New Years resolutions is because we expect change to happen too quickly. Were you expecting immediate results? Try to slow down.

By slowing down and being more deliberate in the small steps you take towards your goal, you are gradually re-training your mind and body to adapt to the new lifestyle you want for the long-term.

Experts will tell you to write down all the steps you are going to take towards your goal. Good idea, but unfortunately that can lead to a kind of mental overload. You see a list of 30 tasks and it seems like a huge mountain to climb! If you're struggling with the first two or three tasks, how can you convince yourself that you're capable of completing everything on the list?

Only write down your first 1 or 2 steps. Remember to reward yourself and celebrate those little achievements! Wait until you've completed your first tasks before you plan the next ones.

Visualization is a great way to keep your dreams alive. You don't have to be a Yoga Master or get any sort of deep mediation - it's about picturing the result of reaching your goal, in the most vivid way you can. Pretend your dreams are already a reality: "You are who you pretend to be".

Write your dreams and goals on a card or post-it to keep it somewhere you can see it throughout the day. If you're saving money for a holiday, why not stick a photo of your destination beside your desk at work or on the fridge at home.

If you're thinking, "Yeah, I'll do all these things tomorrow", stop now and be serious about setting aside the time. If achieving your goal requires further research, joining with a club or taking other action before you can REALLY get into it, make this your "weekend resolution" to get it done.

Learn more about this author, Sarah Belle.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.