How To Stick To A New Year’s Resolution?

In a previous post, we’ve talked about how to finish this year strong, here, you’ll find powerful tips to stick to what you want, wither for your “finish strong challenge” or for the new year 2009.

Everyone has a new years resolution; whether it’s to stop smoking, spending more time with the family, or simply dieting. So VideoJug asked leading life coach Dr Sally Ann Law for advice on how to stick to a New Year’s resolution. Watch the video to learn more…Step 1: You will need

* a resolution
* a friend
* will power

Step 2: Just another day
The first thing you need to realise when making your resolution is that New Year’s day is just another day. Don’t put too much emphasis on it being a brand new start or the day your life will change because this probably isn’t the case. Think of it more as a catalyst for change and a jumping off point.

Step 3: Choose your resolution
Review the different areas in your life and think about what is working as well as what isn’t. Instead of picking the same old resolutions that you can never seem to keep, like losing weight, giving up smoking or winning an award, choose an area that you know needs improvement rather than a radical change. Think long term and make sure it’s something you can realistically see happening.

For instance, perhaps you don’t see enough of your friends or you never ring your mum. Working on these seemingly simple things may be more rewarding in the long run.

Step 4: Write it down
Once you have decided on your resolution, write it down. You could even make a contract with yourself stating what you will set out to do and sign it to make it official.

Step 5: Get some support
Tell a friend who you trust about your resolution. They will provide you with support and keep you focused on your goal. And if you are wavering at all, their support will ensure you don’t give up just in case you feel like a quitter.

Step 6: Review your progress
Break your resolution down into stages so you can track your progress. Look back after a couple of months and see what you’re doing right. Try to fix anything that you’re doing wrong. For instance, if your resolution was to go to the gym three evenings a week, perhaps you haven’t been sticking to it because you always work late. Try going in the mornings instead. Making a minor adjustment could be the key to success.

Step 7: Make more resolutions
When you are doing well at keeping your resolution, you may discover that you are feeling better about other areas of your life too. Going to the gym may lead you to cut out smoking too. Similarly, if you have given up something as part of your resolution, try to find a pleasant and diversionary substitute to keep your mind occupied. Quitting smoking may encourage you to exercise more.

Step 8: Celebrate
Remember to celebrate your successes, but make sure the way you celebrate doesn’t go against your resolution. If you cut down on drinking alcohol, it’s best not to reward yourself with a glass of wine. Instead, treat yourself to those shoes you’ve had your eye on or tickets to a play you’ve been dying to see. You deserve it!

Step 9: Keep going
Why stop now when you’ve done this well? Extend the timeline of your resolution and work it into your everyday routine. By next year, you’ll be more than ready to face your next challenge.