Every New Year’s Eve, at least 45% of Americans resolve to better themselves, whether it’s losing weight, taking up a hobby, or spending more time with family. Resolutions provide great opportunities to make a clean start, but in order to keep them, it pays to have a positive attitude and to be mindful of what you hope to achieve. Here are some tips to help keep you going strong.
Think of resolutions as themes rather than goals
A goal is something that has an endpoint, whereas a theme can be present for a long time. For example, 38% of Americans make resolutions based on their weight. If you resolve to go to the gym 3 times a week and end up working overtime at the office, it’s easy to say that the goal was not met. Center your resolution around the theme of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper eating and exercise instead. Themes allow you to stay motivated when things are beyond your control.
Build on what you already have
Studies show that people retain resolutions when they take into account what they already possess rather than what they hope to gain. Think about how you’re building your finances, for instance. Rather than seeking completely new alternatives to adding wealth, how can you improve upon your current efforts? Success comes from continued work.
Be happy now
A consistently optimistic attitude is essential to keeping resolutions. The reason some people are unable to maintain them is because they think happiness will come only when they reach the end. Ask yourself what you can do each day to add to your happiness rather than viewing fulfillment as something that can only come when the resolution is achieved.
Overall, starting the New Year off with a good outlook and a realistic perspective will ensure your resolutions carry you well into December 2013 and beyond.
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