Take Two
Many KFL&A residents abandoned New Year's Resolutions by mid-February. Now,
almost six months later, is a great time to take two in
order to get back on track towards accomplishing those goals.
|
Take two on your New Year’s resolutions
A New Year’s Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to one or more
personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. Popular goals are to improve
health by becoming more active, eating better, or quitting smoking.
Many people get off track with New Year’s Resolutions before January is over, so
take time now to think about the resolutions you made or to set new goals.
A study done in 2007 by Richard Wisemen from the University of Bristol showed that
individuals who succeed have five traits in common. Men achieved their goal 22%
more often when they engaged in goal setting, a system where small measurable goals
are being set, while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public
and got support from their friends.
Tips to help revisit your resolutions:
- Be realistic. A resolution to run a marathon by year's end is likely
unrealistic for an inexperienced runner. Likewise, resolving to stop all your unhealthy
habits at once is likely to fail. Pick a safe, attainable goal with a realistic
time frame. For example, if your resolution is to become more active, begin by making
one manageable change at a time, such as walking 15 minutes three times a week.
- Don't make too many resolutions. There's no rule that you have
to cover all areas you'd like to change in your resolutions. Pick one or two themes
such as anger management, stress control, healthy eating, smoking cessation, becoming
more active, or career advancement that are most important to you, and set reachable
goals within these areas.
- Plan intermediate goals. This may help you to maintain control.
Set weekly or monthly mini-goals to stay on track. Decide where you'd like to be
in three or six months, and check how you are doing at this time. Achieving these
smaller goals also gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivation for the bigger
projects.
- Write them down. It's a fact that writing down your goals gives
you a higher chance of success.
- Use the buddy system. Rely on your friends to support you in your
resolutions, and do the same for your friends. Social support can strengthen motivation
to achieve your goals.
- Plan a reward for yourself. Celebrate when the resolutions or intermediate
goals are met. Use non-food rewards that won’t interfere with your healthy living
goals. For example, get a new book or download a new song, or go to the movies with
a friend.
|
Tell us what helps you
and share your tip!
|