Do you still remember your New Year's Resolutions? It is only the beginning of February. However, I'd wager most of us have either forgotten them or they are not quite as crisp and clear as they were on January 1st. "Forget them, I didn't even bother to make any this year." For any who might say that, I suggest you read this article at least twice.
Making New Year's Resolutions is a worthy goal. Keeping them is nearly a fantasy for most who make them. They are an exercise in futility, long ago dropped, by those who no longer even try. Why do so many people undertake an activity that most believe will result in no permanent change? Are we gluttons for self destructive behavior? Do we like setting ourselves up for failure?
I think we have the desire to succeed when we write our Resolutions. I actually think most of us somehow wish and hope that this year will be different from all the others.This year we actually will keep our Resolutions. We will reach those goals we've set for ourselves. I believe this faint hope is evidence of two positive aspects of humans. One is "hope springs eternal in the human heart." There is something in us that wants to be successful and prosper, even if we think the chances are remote. The other is that we instinctively know that setting goals lends meaning and texture to our lives.
So what's the problem? If we want to be successful and we know that goals are good, what goes wrong? The problem is in the process. Most of us don't know the actual procedure to follow to set and then reach our goals. It is not as easy as just writing something down and hoping it comes true. That is a wish or a dream. Writing Resolutions is just the first step in making real change occur. Here are five suggestions that should help you increase your chances of taking wishes and dreams and turning them into reality.
1) Write down exactly what you want in as exacting detail as practical. Don't say I want to lose 20 pounds. Instead say, I want to lose a total of 20 pounds. I will lose 5 pounds per quarter this year, and I will lose them through a combination of regular exercise and better eating. I will get a physical, then begin walking 4 times per week for at least 20 minutes and I will follow Dr. Barry Sears' "Zone Diet." That's specific, and it gives you the foundation of a workable plan for losing weight.
2) Have a reasonable list of Resolutions, maybe 3 to 5. Make a list as long as you would like. Then review the list and ask yourself, "What are the top Resolutions that I would really like to keep? Which ones would make the biggest difference in my Life if I kept them?" Those are the Resolutions you want to list and then work to keep. Don't set yourself up for failure by setting too many or unrealistic Resolutions.
3) Share your Resolutions with a trusted friend and ask them to help you stay on track. Ask if they will remind you, urge you, and support you. Offer to do the same for them.It is not reasonable to ask for this type of help without the willingness to reciprocate.
4) Make a firm commitment to yourself and to your trusted friend that you will keep your Resolutions. Put it in writing and have both of you sign it. Then put this signed commitment into your calendar and re-read it each week. Also, initial it each week, recording the date you re-read it. This serves two purposes. First it will keep your Resolutions fresh in your mind. It will also remind you 52 times during the year about what you have agreed to do and what is important to you. Second, you will see if you've missed or skipped a week. There will be a gap in the dates by your initials if you missed a week.
5) Forgive yourself if you falter, forget, cheat, or stop. If you keep re-reading your commitment each week, you will know how you did for keeping on track with your Resolutions. If you get challenged and want to change your Resolutions, discuss it with your supporting friend. There might be situations where changing a Resolution is in order based on new information or changing priorities in your life. Only change Resolutions when the change will improve your life. Don't change them to make your life easier or to let you quit working toward them.
Okay, go find your Resolutions if you've forgotten them already. Write a few if you'd skipped this year. There is still plenty of time to make this year the most fulfilling year ever. Stay resolved!
More FREE articles at http://www.hyperstress.com/ that will help you improve your performance and regain control of your life. By Timothy J. O'Brien M.S. co-author of the Amazon Best Seller, "If You Have Employees, You Really Need This Book."
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