Resolve To Keep Your Resolutions

There are many reasons why some of us make New Year’s resolutions, and automatically set ourselves up to fail before the middle of January. Super determined folk generally keep their resolutions going for a couple of months before they trip up and beat themselves up over their failure. The only people who successfully manage to keep resolutions intact are those who simply have a different perspective on ‘giving things up’.

Be Optimistic And Realistic

When you decide to deprive yourself of something – be it good or bad for your health – you automatically set yourself up to fail. Framing your personal challenge in another way helps you to see all of the positive benefits that you can enjoy simply by deciding to ‘take something up’ instead. Once you have a specific goal in mind you’ll also be able to put plans into place that support your resolutions.

It reportedly takes around 21 days to form a new habit. It takes a further 6 months for you to fully accept it as a lifestyle change. When making a resolution, don’t expect to reach your milestone or goal in record time. To stay motivated you’ll need to have a positive and optimistic outlook, and a realistic frame of mind. You may also want to bear in mind that you may experience negative moments when you give in to temptation and temporarily ‘un-set’ your resolution.

Make A Commitment

Writing your resolutions down on paper significantly increases your chances of success. Mental vows are usually not enough to keep you committed to your plans. The moment that you decide on your goal write it down so that you can revisit your commitment wherever your willpower is wavering.

Share your resolutions and aspirations with supportive friends and family members who have your best interests at heart. They will motivate and inspire you whenever the going gets tough.

Make One Change At A Time

Even if you want to completely transform your life you will need to do so one step at a time. The same logic applies to changes that impact on your lifestyle, habits and limiting beliefs. You have a limited amount of willpower and this needs to be focused and directed on one goal at a time. To successfully maintain new habits, many behavior changes need to take place. Some of these positive habits also need time to be learned and accepted.

Apply Common Sense

Think of yourself as a role model and lead by example. It also helps to know your limits. To avoid resolution failure get away from whatever is tempting you to repeat old habits. Self-control is only as great as your determination. Avoid setting the bar too high simply to impress other people. If you want to prove that you can keep your resolution be realistic from the off. Set short-term goals and increase them each time you achieve a level of success. You will feel great when you accomplish each goal, and this success will spur you on and bolster your resolve.

Visualize Your Perfect Outcome

Use meditation to help you stay focused and in the resolution zone. Visualize your perfect outcome and visit this idyllic scene often. The visualizations will also remind you of what you have to look forward to.

Pay A Penalty

If you’re determined to keep your resolutions set yourself a penalty clause. Commit to donating a sizeable sum to a charity, if you fail to reach your goal. You could also agree to accept a challenge set by one of your friends, or pay your penalty in another creative way.