How To Make Your New Year's Resolutions Work - By: HilaryFran

It seems to be traditional at this time of year to make resolutions about what you think you want to change about yourself. Many people make New Year’s Resolutions, but only about 2% of people have stuck with their Resolutions by the end of the year. Why does this happen? Here is what I think.

To start with, the term New Year’s Resolution to me seems to say that it is something that we only do at New Year and is not lasting or even achievable. I prefer the term Goals for the Year.
Goals are something that you continue to work towards; they can be achieved and are, if necessary flexible.
So what goes wrong with the NYRs? Here is my theory:
• People select their NYRs without really thinking about them.
• They set themselves unattainable and often impractical NYRs.
• They do not consider the consequences of their NYRs.
• They have limiting beliefs buried within their subconscious mind that sabotages their efforts.

So, what to do? How do we set up NYRs or Goals for ourselves so that we can achieve what we want?
Here are some ideas. Let’s use “Gaining a slimmer and healthier body” as an example.

1.Get specific. You want to have a slimmer body, so ask your self: How many kilos do I want to release from my body? Notice I said “release” not “lose”. The danger with using the word “lose” is that subconsciously we do not like to lose things. If we lose something we want to go and find it. It’s like the term “giving up”; we do not like to give up things either.

My First Tip:
Be specific; decide how many kilos you want to release. Engage with your subconscious mind to help you, by not thinking about “loosing weight” or “giving up” something part of you wants to keep. Focus instead on “Gaining Slimness”.

2. Have a measurable outcome. Work out how you will know when you have achieved your Goal. Will you know you have a slimmer and healthier body because your body measurements are decreasing, your body weight is decreasing or you feel better? What is the best way to measure your progress that works for you?

My Second Tip:
Decide how you will measure your progress and what it is exactly that will show you have reached your ultimate Goal. Remember, you win as you progress towards your Goal. Each step along the way is an achievement.

3.Think about the Actions you need to take to achieve your Goal. For success to happen, you have to actually Do something.
So when the Goal is to gain slimness, your actions may be to change your diet and or exercise more. There are always emotional issues connected to being overweight. So make sure you heal any emotional issues that arise. You may need to get some help with this though and that is OK. Make your Actions doable and enjoyable. It would not be sensible to start an exercise program by running a marathon when you have been a Couch Potato.

My Third Tip:
Decide upon the Actions that you can safely and sensibly take to achieve your Goal. Make your Actions Fun!

4.Make a Time Line. Realistically give your self dates to achieve steps towards your Goal. Mark off each achievement along the way and give your self a reward. You deserve it. Decide on a realistic date for achieving your Ultimate Goal, but be prepared to change it if you need to. Keep focused, be patient and persistent. Make a Deal with yourself never to give up and honour it.

My Fourth Tip:
Make a Time Line with a realistic date for achieving your Goal. Make a Deal with your self to keep focused, be patient with yourself, be persistent and most of all, Never Give Up.

My Final Tips:

• Be kind to yourself.
• Give yourself encouragement.
• Reward yourself often for all you achieve.
• Get help when you need it.
• Ignore the Naysayers and listen to your Supporters.

Then success will by yours.

About the Author

If you liked this article and are interested in finding out about me and my services, please go to my web site: http://www.theoutandabouttherapist.com If you would like to contact me, please email me at: myhealingtoolbox@gmail.com Hilary Thompson The Out and About Therapist

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