Making and Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions

Every year, we make new resolutions to change, knowing full well that it is not easy to keep the motivation throughout the entire year.

Making New Year's goals is actually really positive, giving us hope for the new year, and a fresh start. Continually improving ourselves is important to our mental, physical and spiritual health.

However, we sometimes (often) abandon those resolutions. Starting out in the new year, we're just coming out of the holidays where we've been indulging on fatty/sugary foods, maybe not working out as much, so we tend to make impulsive resolutions without thinking about them too much. Lack of motivation to those resolutions comes when we don't think too much about it, and don't have a set plan. If it's just a fleeting thought, you will forget it just as soon as you made that resolution.

--Timing. You don't have to wait until Dec 31st to set goals. Make your list in advance. Make sure it's something achievable, and not too big or unrealistic.

--Keep track of your progress by writing it down. Even better, create a written contract with yourself.

--Tell people to whom you can be accountable. Solicit help from your family and friends. They can be there to look out for you, offering words of support, and be more aware of the temptations they place on you. For example, if they know you're trying to lose weight, they won't bring you over sugary treats.

--BLOG! There are thousands of blogs where people are tracking their progress, successes and setbacks. The best part is that there are many excellent free blogging programs available. Check out Blogger, Wordpress, or LiveJournal to find out which one is the best fit for you.

--Join a support group. Check the Internet for groups gathering in your area. Knowing you're not alone gives you a fresh perspective. Also, it doesn't hurt to find new friends!

--Recommit your resolutions throughout the year. At the start of every month recommit to your New Year's Goals. Depending on your personality and your goal, you might need to recommit more often... month by month, week by week, day by day. Find out what works best for you.

--Remember the reasons you want to achieve your goals. Write them down and keep them on your nightstand to reaffirm yourself every morning and every night. For example, if your resolution is to keep yourself organized, write down the positives such as the fact that when your house is kept clean you can invite people over on a whim!