How to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions

It’s that time of year again folks – the time when we unleash a whirlwind of motivation, effort, good intentions and willpower only to be all blown out by the end of the month. That’s right, it’s New Year’s resolution time.

Let’s be honest, all you “resolutioners” seem pretty proud of yourselves, and so you should be. You haven’t had a cigarette for almost a week – well done! You have been to the gym every day this week – good job. You haven’t had a drink since last week – fantastic! Now, we don’t mean to shoot you down with a blast of pessimism, but doesn’t this happen every year? You start off strong and end up wallowing in a pit of disheartening failure. Not this time, The Upcoming has concocted a few simple tricks to keep you on the steady road to success.

Keep your resolutions realistic

Let’s be truthful here, if you find it difficult to make it to the gym once a week you aren’t going to magically find the time and energy to hit it every day. If it has been a typical one-day-a-week workout, knock it up to three-a-week; it’s not as daunting and easier to succeed. Achievement leads to greater motivation and you can always up your game later. 

Write down your resolutions

There is something about writing things down; it somehow makes it more real. When you write to-do lists you become eager to tick things off. This is the same with writing down resolutions, it almost becomes like a contract and you become more inclined to stick to it. 

Tell your friends and family

If you tell the people around you about your attempts they are going to support you through it. For example, if your friends know you are trying to give up smoking they won’t offer you a cigarette or blow smoke in your face, unless you have really mean friends, that is! By telling people it also puts more pressure on maintaining progress. After all nobody likes others to know about their personal failures. 

Monitor your progress

If you are trying to lose weight and have been successful in getting to the gym and avoiding unhealthy food, weigh yourself once a week. Every pound you lose is a stepping-stone towards your goal and will spur you on. In the same way if you haven’t been smoking for two weeks keep note, the further you go the harder it will be for you to sacrifice all that hard work.

So there you have it – a few (perhaps very basic and obvious) tips that may get you through the challenges 2014 throws at you. Good luck and Happy New Year!

Michelle McGill