New Year Resolutions

New Year Resolutions

Many of us create a list of resolutions at the beginning of a new year; it is easy to create a list of resolutions- the hard part is being able to commit to actually achieving them. Make sure you don't compile a list of 25 resolutions- you are not going to be able to accomplish them all. Choose only a handful, this way it will be easier to focus on achieving the particular goals.

When you have chosen your resolutions (a maximum of five) type them out and paste them where you can see them; in your diary, on the fridge, on your desk, in your bed side table- this way you will be reminded of your goals throughout the whole year. Instead of only remembering them for the first couple of weeks of the year.

The only way it is possible to achieve any of the New Year resolutions is to ensure they are achievable. Don't write 'to own my own home' if you have no savings in the bank, change the resolution to 'save for a house deposit'- then write out how you will go about achieving this goal. Your one year goal can work alongside your long term goal of owning your own home.

Look at your finances and work out how much you can put away and where you can save money. This can also work for paying off any debts. It is easier to be specific, say you will save $200 a month this way it is easier to view and reach the target. Set up a plan to coincide with the amount chosen; are you going to put away $200 a month as a lump sum or are you going to put away $50 a week? Choose your schedule and stick to it. If you do it for a couple of months, chances are it becomes a habit that you can continue throughout the whole year.

If you want to cut out carbohydrates after 5pm and fatty foods- maybe set a goal for January 2nd to begin your resolution- if you have a hangover and fail on the first day of the year you will most likely continue to fail throughout the year. Set your fat-free-food goal to begin on the 2nd of January and stick to it. It is important to also be specific, choose a goal weight and then set up a plan to how you will reach the goal weight. Will you exercise 3-5 times a week? Will you cut out chocolate?

The most popular New Year Resolutions are:
To Lose Weight
Pay off debt (credit card, mortgage, car loans and personal loans)
Quit smoking
Not drink as much alcohol
Be a kinder, more courteous person
Keep a diary
Work harder and get a promotion
Join a gym
Start a new class to learn something new
and
Donate to charities

Most people stick to their resolutions for about a week, you'll find a gym is packed for the first couple of weeks of the year and then as the year continues less and less people use their membership. Use those who have failed as motivation and prove those that thought you would fail wrong.

To stick to resolutions it is important to write them down but also share them with someone close to you; it is easier to achieve goals in a team. If you want to quit smoking and your friend wants to quit drinking support each other- use each others motivation to achieve your goal. You could also join a gym with a friend who shares similar goals, if you know you are meeting a friend at the gym you are more likely to go rather than going alone.

The best way to attain your goals is to plan and then track the progress of your goal. If you want to quit smoking, track your days on a calendar. Then in a year's time see where you went wrong and how well you did. This will give you the motivation to keep going. You can create a tally through Facebook or Twitter too; update your status weekly, "It has been 8 weeks since I have smoked a cigarette".

If your goal is to get fit and join the gym- plan your days. Grab the gym's timetable and work out when you can go and which classes you can attend. Start of small and then increase the time you spend at the gym. Plan small goals, such as I want to be able to run for 15 minutes by April or I want to be able to attend four classes a week from July.

If you choose relevant, achievable New Year Resolutions and write them down then record and use other friends and families motivation to keep you going you are more likely to be able to complete your resolutions and make more the following year.

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