Anne Baye Ericksen
Photo: digitalart
The dawn of a new calendar year brings new hope, so what better time to set goals or make promises to yourself?
Do you think New Year’s resolutions seem cliché or a sentimental gesture at best? Pessimists suggest they are an exercise in futility. Indeed, you probably have as good of a shot at winning the lottery as you do in keeping resolutions. According to BookofOdds.com, the chances of an adult not keeping a New Year’s resolution for an entire year is 1 in 1.15. The odds of an adult not keeping that promise for more than one month are slightly better at 1 in 2.7. The odd-makers give some hope that adults can follow through for at least one week—there’s a 1 in 8.33 chance we will not fulfill resolutions for the first seven days in January.
Photo: luigi diamanti
New Year’s resolutions do not have to be destined to become broken promises. In fact, mental health experts insist that the benefits of setting these annual objectives outweigh any likelihood of failure. Research indicates people who make resolutions are many times more likely to meet their goals than those who do not.
However, success shouldn’t be left to chance. Here are a few strategies for stronger resolution resolve.
Start Small. Losing 50 pounds is too big of a task to tackle at once. Long-term goals allow too many opportunities for excuses to give up because the finish line is so far off. If you set smaller benchmarks, such as a pound or two a week, then you’ll see progress sooner and will be more committed to meeting your resolution.
Make a Plan. The pounds aren’t going to magically drop away. How are you going to change your exercise and diet habits? Make a specific plan, like walking a couple times each week and controlling portions by passing on seconds.
Figure Out Where and When. If you at least visualize when you will fit in those walks and where you will go, then you improve the odds that you will follow through.
Forgive Yourself. If you fall off the New Year’s resolution bandwagon, don’t beat yourself up, and don’t give up. Simply acknowledge, adjust, and reaffirm your resolve.
Celebrate Success. If you keep your resolution one week, one month, or longer, congratulate yourself on a job well done.
Photo: jscreationzs
Most Common New Year’s Resolutions (year after year)
Weight loss
Exercise more
Quit smoking
Debt reduction
Better money management
Anne Baye Ericksen is a freelance writer based in Simi Valley, Calif.
