Those New Year Resolutions

It’s that time again; time to make a new you with all those New Year Resolutions.  Here are some tested tips to help improve your success rate.

1. Focus on only one resolution.  Most people try to accomplish too many resolutions and get overcome with trying to keep all of them.  Pick the one resolution that will give you the biggest return on your investment of time.
2. Keep it SMART.  That stands for Specific, Measured, Achievable, Relevant and Timed.
3. Set up reminders.  Psychologists tell us that it take 21 to 34 days to develop a new habit.  That’s really what a resolution is, a new habit.  If you don’t remind yourself of the desired change you may fall into you old habits.  Put a sign up in your work area as a reminder, program reminders into your computer every week and post a note on your bathroom mirror.
4. Start strong.  A strong start will help you maintain the awareness that this is important.  Let others know what you want to accomplish so they can support you. 
5. Try an accountability partner.  We have used this concept successfully for the past 20+ years.  Contact a friend and ask them to check in with you twice a week for a month to see how you are doing.  You can also help them stay on track for their resolutions.  If you have to report your progress to someone you are more apt to keep doing the new behavior.  After the first month, decide if the arrangement is working and if you want to continue.  
6. Enjoy the ride.  Achieving a resolution, developing a new habit is a process.  Enjoy and celebrate each success along the way and at the end of the year you will be a better you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR