How is that New Year's Resolution Going?

Do you find yourself struggling to accomplish your new year's resolutions? Don't worry, you're not alone, and there is a good reason for it.

Every year people like yourself make resolutions, promises to yourself that something about your life is going to change for the better in the new year. The problem is that you are not always being realistic about your goals. The first obstacle that many people face is lack of a time frame, and this is paramount.

January first. That's the first day of the "New and improved you." Right? You were supposed to join the gym, start eating right, get more sleep, make more money, have a better relationship with your spouse and with your kids. You were supposed to reduce your stress. Well, if you are anything like me, and most other people, just looking at a l ist like that is stressful and thus counter productive. It's easier to hide that list in a desk drawer than it is to actually put it into action. So despite our best intentions, that's exactly what many of us do. The fact is, this list is simply too much to accomplish in one day! Just because you didn't lose a pound on New Year's Day doesn't mean weight loss can't be accomplished in the new year. It's not you that is flawed - it's your approach. Let's try a new one.

It's good to have a long list of life changing goals, but they need to be measureable, and attainable. For example, don't say "I wasnt to get in better shape this year." You have to define what "better shape" means to you. WHat does that look like? How will you feel? How many inches do you want to lose? Do you want to be able to run a mile? Maybe you just want to lose 10 pounds and keep it off this ti me. Whatever they are, your goals have to be specific, measureable, and achievable. Start small, if you haven't run around the block in a few years, running a marathon can still be a goal, but you will need to set smaller, more achievable goals first. For example, try aiming to run around the block without getting winded, and progress from there once that goal is achieved.

Once you have made a list of real, attainable, measurable goals, it is important to write them down and store them somewhere important, or somewhere you will see them often. Maybe with your jewelry, after all, they are more important than your bracelet aren't they? Writing things down signifies commitment. It's easy to change your goals when things get difficult if you haven't written them down. Putting goals to paper will help keep you in check. Once you have your list written, you should prioritize it. Put the easiest goals first and the most difficult goals last. Accomplishing your easier goals will help you build self confidence and will make those large difficult goals seem much more attainable. This list that you are writing, while specific, also needs to be fluid. Simply put, if you achieve your goals, it doesn't mean you stop progressing. Continue to rewrite your list of goals with new ones as you accomplish the old ones. Save your old lists as reminders of where you came from.

You can accomplish all of your goals, it just takes the right approach. You would probably benefit from telling a friend your goals. When someone else knows, they will commonly ask you how you are doing with your progress, this acts as great external motivation to keep moving forward. Sometimes you will even find that your friend has the same goals you do. Your book club buddy could turn into your jogging buddy. Believe me you are less likely to miss that run if your friend already woke up early and is counting on you to be there.

There is no bad time to start changing your life for the better. It doesn't have to be a Monday, and you're not to late if you didn't start on the first of the year. Make a decision and start working towards your goals. Marathons are run one step at a time. Good luck to you on a happy, successful, and healthy new year.

There is no bad time to start changing your life for the better. It doesn't have to be a MOnday or the first of the year. Make a decision and start working towards your goals. Marathons are run one step at a time. Good luck to you on a happy, successful, and healthy new year.