10 Tips for Keeping Resolutions

The New Year is upon us and it is a time for resolutions.  Lots of people focus on healthier lifestyle, saving money, starting to exercise and so many more. Sticking to New Year’s resolutions is tough, but if you implement small changes they will more than likely stick.  Here are a few tips to help you be successful with your resolutions in 2014.

1. Make a commitment and stick to it.  If your goal is to drink 8 glasses of water a day and walk a minimum of 5 miles a week you can do it.  Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day and your changes won’t last if you try to do it all in one day.
2. Find something that motivates you and work towards getting that reward.  If you have something to look forward to you won’t dread the actions it takes to get to the reward. Lose 20 pounds and buy that new dress or perhaps go away for a night with your sweetie!
3. Set short term goals as well as long term ones so you will be able to achieve some along the way. For example, setting a goal of losing 50 pounds would be a great long term goal, but short term goals would to lose 1-2 pounds a week or 5 pounds each month.
4. If you fall off the wagon, pick yourself up and dust yourself off.  Get right back on track because you are worth it. Anything important to you is worth the struggle.
5. Don’t expect perfection, you will fall off the wagon, just pick yourself up and start over. Give yourself a little Grace…
6. Stick to the basics and makes changes that will help you reach your goals.  A great goal would be to have a 10,000 step count in each day.  Once you learn what your usual count is, look for ways to add steps in your day. Park a little farther from the door at the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator. You can find ways to add steps in your day without having to take a long walk.
7. Remember you are looking for small changes that will make long term improvements. You are not in a race. Slow and steady is a much better approach to changes.
8. Look for an accountability partner. If you have to check in with someone you are more likely to stay on track.
9. Although most resolutions tend to be health related, there are other areas that you can make changes that will save you time, money or stress. Set of goal of saving money this year? Check out our Saving a Dollar a Week article.
10. Resolutions are hard work but the rewards are worth it.  Hard work, dedication and determination is all it takes! Just keep trying even when the going gets tough! The important thing is to not give up. You will fail, we all do… just keep on pressing towards your goal.

You don’t have to make all the changes overnight. Baby steps…pick a couple of solid achievable goals and break them down into monthly and then weekly, if not daily tasks or goals. Being able to check things off the list goes a long way in the motivation department!

Did you make 2014 Resolutions? Share them with us.