Beating the Break-New-Year-Resolution Blues

Whatever resolutions you made, you made them because you wanted to improve aspects of your life.  But no matter how much you may want to make changes, you'll probably find that folllowing through on your resolve is very difficult.

Here are some secrets that will increase your chances of keeping your resolutions.

1. Start small.  Very small.  Will-power is a weak force.  It requires energy, resolve, discipline and self-denial.  It takes up so much psychological "space" in us that if we overload ourselves with too many restrictions at once, we fail.  To boost your success, start with ONE resolution.

2. Get a buddy.  Support groups such as Weight Watchers or Alcoholics Anonymous know the power of a buddy or sponsor.  That person serves as your cheerleader, reminder, nag and strength.  Don't go it alone.  Plan to contact your buddy daily.  And call when you backslide or are tempted to backslide.

3.  Get back on the horse.  We all fall off the horse.  Don't use it as an excuse to quit--or to beat yourself up. 

4.  Divide your day into small steps. Break the day into small amounts of time such as:  early morning, late morning; early afternoon, late afternoon;after work; dinner; after dinner.  Taking small steps allows you to uphold your resolution in doable bites.

5.  Tell others.  Recruit friends and family about your resolution and ask them to help you by contacting you and cheering you on.

6.  Bolster your success.  Recall other tough times where you triumphed.  What did you do to achieve your goal?  How did you manage setbacks?  Repeat your successful behaviors.

7.  Know your quit-triggers.  Recognize what tempts you to fall off the wagon.  Be aware of them, recall how you fought them off in the past and resist the temptation.

Good Luck!