A New Year!

A New Year’s resolution involves a commitment about personal goals, projects or changing a bad habit. New Year’s resolutions are made in anticipation of a new beginning and making positive lifestyle changes. People commit themselves to resolutions because they see change as advantageous.

Each New Year brings new beginnings and a sincere desire to become a better person. The most common resolutions involve goals to lose weight, eat healthier, stop smoking, improve personal finances, get out of debt, find a better job, reduce stress, become more organized and to improve relationships with family, friends and co-workers.

Over the past decades the nature of New Year’s resolutions has changed. Goals are more appearance-oriented and superficial than goals set by past generations. Body image, health, diet and possessions were not the focus of resolutions decades ago.  

A typical resolution at the end of the 19^th Century was focused on good works, to be less self-centered, more helpful, a hard worker, and to improve internal character. Body image, health, diet, and desired possessions were rarely mentioned.

Research tells us that more than half of Americans do not take time to make New Year goals. Of the 45% of Americans who usually set resolutions only 8% are successful in achieving their goals. Individuals who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than those who are not explicit about their resolutions. A detailed game plan is important in helping you achieve success.

The success rate of resolutions depends on three key factors: a realistic, attainable plan that is measurable, sharing personal goals with others and peer support. A 2007 study by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol involving 3,000 people showed that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions fail, despite the fact that 52% of the study's participants were confident of success at the beginning. Men achieve their goal 22% more often when they engage in a system where small measurable goals are being set. Instead of saying “I want to lose weight” it is best to say “I want to lose a pound a week.” Women succeed 10% more when they make their goals public and receive support from family and friends.

Statistics show that most people who set New Year goals are not successful because change is difficult. One simple approach to making lifestyle change is to slowly trick your brain into thinking there is no alternative. This approach will bring positive results that sheer willpower and determination may not.

Begin by narrowing your scope and simplifying your goal. Have a game plan that is realistic and designed specifically for you and your needs. This will help you believe that your goal is attainable and will help you successfully move forward.

Next, write down your goal and post it in a location that is visible every morning and night. Reward yourself for simple successes and don’t give up if setbacks occur. Remember, tomorrow is another day. A constant reminder of your goal and its benefits is important in helping you to remain focused. Slowly you will begin to believe your resolution is the only way to move forward and that a resolved life is best.                                                                                                                                                          Be persistent and change will gradually occur. You will begin to recognize that your goal has become a part of your daily lifestyle. Keep at this “new” routine for a month and begin to recognize the benefits of change.

Happy New Year!!


The Empowerment Project www.vikkicarrel.com