10 Ways to Successfully Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

 New Year, New Beginnings! As a part of my new beginning, I am happy and honored to join the team of columnists at Ms. Career Girl with my column, “Mind Matters.”  I will be bringing you posts about different ways to improve your life, starting with your mind.  Think happy, be happy!

Take a look back at the beginning of 2012 and try to remember what your New Year’s resolutions were. Chances were, you started with great momentum and excitement. But as time went on, you began to slack off little by little until the word “resolution” somehow morphed into “reluctance”.

Statistics* show:

• 45% percent of Americans who usually make New Year’s Resolutions
• 8% percent of people are successful in achieving their resolution

Not to worry, you’re not in this alone. Read on for…

10 tips on how to make your resolutions a reality in 2013!

1. Write down your resolutions and read them to yourself every day. Write it on sticky notes and leave them around the house or in your office/cubicle at work, or put it in your phone to read while you are waiting in line at Starbucks. Even though you may already know what your resolutions are, seeing it written down will help to reinforce your goals.

2. Collaborate with a friend or family member. If you and a friend or family member share the same resolution(s), collaborate and keep each other accountable. The additional support wouldn’t hurt, either.

3. Create resolutions that are realistic. Sure, you may want to run a full marathon or lose 30 pounds. Instead, start small and work your way up. Create mini-resolutions that will lead you to your ultimate goal. You have to walk before you run, right?

4. Have a game plan. Write out a blueprint, step by step. Know exactly what you need to do daily, weekly, and monthly. Be consistent and stick with your plan.

5. Think of the outcome. Just how awesome will you feel after you’ve achieved your goals or knowing that you’re one step closer?

6. Incorporate your resolution into your planner. Plan out your week with your goals in mind. Write them down in your calendar or planner.

7. Surround yourself with the people who are where you want to be. They will be your source of inspiration and will push you towards the right direction.

8. Keep a positive attitude. This may seem totally cliché, but it is probably the most valuable piece of advice you’ll ever receive for all of your endeavors.

9. Don’t get discouraged when things don’t go your way. Instead, treat each outcome as a valuable learning experience. There are no failures, just lessons.

10. Realize that it will take effort and discipline to achieve your resolutions. Get off the couch and make it happen!

So, what are your new year’s resolutions? Let’s hear ‘em!

*Data from University of Scranton, Journal of Clinical Psychology