KEEPING RESOLUTIONS: TOP TEN HINTS

I’m a big resolution maker. There’s just something about a new year that gives people hope that they can lose those ten pounds, begin an exercise regime, or cut down on the carbs. To make a new year’s resolution is one thing, but keeping them is another. So here is a top ten list of hints that will help you along the road to resolution success. And at the end of this article are some of the top items on Amazon to help pave the way! 

10. Get the information you need. Wise travelers always plan their journey in advance. They gather the data they need, they determine the best route to take, and they make sure to have the right equipment and supplies. And, so it is with your journey towards your personal improvement goals. Whether weight loss, nutrition, exercise, or emotional well-being, knowing the right route will ensure that you make it to your destination!

9. Set SMART goals. Many people in the business world are familiar with SMART goals. “SMART” is an acrostic with each letter standing for a word you need to remember when setting your New Year’s Resolution goals.

• The letter “S” stands for “Specific.” For example, a New Year’s Resolution might be, “to lose weight,” but that is way to general. Be specific about what you want to do and when you want to do it by.
• The letter “M” stands for “Measurable.” For example, rather than just, “to lose weight,” a better resolution might be, “to lose ten pounds.” 
• The letter “A” stands for “Attainable.” So, if you are an out-of-shape couch potato, a resolution like, “to start running ten miles a day” may not be an attainable goal…at least not at first! A better goal may be, “to begin walking a mile each day.”
• The letter “R” stands for “Relevant.” For example, the goal of, “to buy a sack of flower” is a specific, measurable, and attainable goal, but is would not meet be a relevant New Year’s resolution, that usually deals with personal betterment. 
• Finally, the letter “T” stands for “Time-Bound.” This means that you give yourself a deadline by which you meet the goal you set. “to lose ten pounds” is a worthy New Year’s Resolution for some, but a better goal might be to include a date that this goal would be met. Something like, “to lose ten pounds by July 1, 2021.”

8. Let trusted people know. The things I make public are the things I am most serious about. Many times over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays people decide to lose weight, eat right, exercise, or quit drinking so much, but never tell anyone. So, the commitment goes unfulfilled. But what if those same people announced to their friends the resolution they have made? Just the act of making that decision public adds accountability, helping them to achieve their dream! 

7. Go on the journey with a friend. It’s always great to go on a journey with another person, so try to find a friend or family member to accompany you in your resolution. For example, which is easier? To meet the goal of going to the gym three times per week on your own, or to know that a friends is there to meet you three times per week at the gym to work out. Of course, being accountable to a friend makes it harder to fudge on your commitment! 

6. Be ready for “the dip.” Almost every endeavor is accompanied by “the dip.” You know…when you hit the wall and things get hard. That first pound is easy to lose, but that tenth pound seems to never come off. If you’ve committed to begin running, that first hundred yards per day is easy, but when you start running miles, it seems that you are swimming through molasses. So, don’t get discouraged when “the dip” comes. Be ready for it, work harder, and enjoy a greater victory when you achieve. (By the way there is a great book written on this subject by Seth Godin entitled “The Dip).

5. Get back on the horse. Horse riders encourage one another with the phrase, “If you fall off the horse, it’s best to get right back on and ride.” We are human, we are not infallible, and as such we sometimes fail. If that happens, try not to get discouraged. Dust yourself off and jump right back into the business of reaching your goals, and fulfilling your resolution.

4. Celebrate incremental successes. Celebrate losing that first pound or running that first mile. Take some time to bask in the glory of reaching each baby-step on your journey of self improvement. Try to make it fun as you make and keep your New Year’s resolution!

3. Be ready for slight changes in strategy and direction. As you diet, exercise, practice good nutrition, learn to play that musical instrument, or learn that new language, be ready to try new things and chart new directions as you strive to meet your goal. Have you plateaued in your weight loss? Try a new strategy. Have you become bored with running on the track? Try running on the beach or on a mountain trail. Remember, not to be defeated and try new things. Don’t give up on reaching that goal!

2. Pray. William Ernest Henly once wrote, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul,” and nothing could be farther from the truth. We need to protection, guidance, and power of the God to help us to meet the worthy and beneficial goals we have set. So pray for His heal and guidance. The Bible in the book of Hebrews says it this way, “”But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

1. Use the products below to help! Below are some recommendations of wonderful items to help with whatever self-improvement goals you have set for your New Year’s Resolution. Some deal with weight loss, nutrition, financial freedom, and exercise, and others cover areas such as breaking bad habits and conquering addictions.

WEIGHT LOSS

NUTRITION

EXERCISE

FINANCIAL FREEDOM

BREAKING BAD HABITS and CONQUERING ADDICTIONS