Jan
12
Written by:
D. Motovidlak
1/12/2012 2:04 PM
Feeling a bit intimidated by your list of New Year’s Resolutions? You’re not alone. Post-holiday slump, hectic work schedule and busy home life are just a few of the obstacles that seem to always stand in the way of keeping New Year’s resolutions – or even starting them in the first place.
Try these tips for starting and sticking to your resolutions in 2012:
Start small. Make resolutions that you think you can keep. If, for example, your aim is to exercise more frequently, schedule three or four days a week at the gym instead of seven. If you would like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy, like fruit or yogurt, instead of seeing your diet as a form of punishment.
Change one behavior at a time. Unhealthy behaviors develop over time. Replacing those behaviors with healthy ones also requires time. Don’t get overwhelmed and try to reassess everything in your life. Instead, work toward improving one thing at a time.
Talk about it. Share your experiences with family and friends. Consider joining a support group to reach your goals, such as a workout class at your gym or a group of coworkers quitting smoking. Having someone to share your struggles and successes with makes your journey to a healthier lifestyle that much easier and less intimidating.
Don’t beat yourself up. Remember that minor mistakes when reaching your goals are completely normal and OK. Don’t give up completely because you ate a brownie and broke your diet, or skipped the gym for a week because you were busy. Everyone has setbacks. Resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.
Sources: American Psychological Association www.apa.org
Copyright ©2012 D. Motovidlak