Making and Keeping Your Resolutions
by LaTanya Carter, Ph.D., LP
With the start of the New Year, we often find ourselves pondering the changes that we want to make in our lives so that this year will be better than the last. The clock striking midnight is like the horn starting an Olympic race....and we're off! Out goes smoking, eating fast food, and drinking alcohol. In comes dieting, exercising, and volunteering.
Unfortunately for many of us, our commitment to our new lifestyle ends just as quickly as those Olympic races. Sometimes before we even know if the groundhog has seen his shadow, we're back to our old habits and telling ourselves we'll try again next year.
The fact is, making lasting lifestyle changes is one of the most challenging tasks we can attempt and succeeding involves commitment, perseverance, and patience. But even before you start the strenuous process of self-improvement, some groundwork needs to be laid which will increase your chances for success.
Consider the following suggestions:
1. Find Your Own Motivation
Too many times we decide to make changes in our lives because someone told us to do it or because everyone else is doing it. Given all the hard work that's involved in self-improvement, if you don't have your own motivation for making these changes, you won't see the value in maintaining the work, and you'll be more likely to quit. You have to determine for yourself if the benefit of the change is worth the effort.
2. Set Your Mind on the Outcome
Complaining seems to come naturally to us. Our minds tend to focus more on the negative than on the positive. However, if we are going to be successful in making behavioral changes, we have to shift our focus from what we are losing to what we are gaining. Instead of thinking about all of the sacrifices you have to make to accomplish this goal, set your mind on the benefits of the change. We are much more motivated by rewards than by punishments.
3. Don't Over-Plan
It's a great idea to make a plan for these changes which can keep you on track during the process, but don't over-plan. If your plan is too rigid, one mistake (and, trust me, there will be mistakes!) can throw off the entire routine, resulting in thinking that you have failed. Instead, create some general guidelines that you know you can follow consistently.
Regardless if you're attempting to stop an old habit or start a new one, the task ahead of you will be challenging. If you follow these suggestions, you'll be well on your way to reshaping your lifestyle. Happy New Year!
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