How Will You Keep Your 2012 Resolutions?

The end of the year is a great time to reflect on what we’d like to change or improve in the next 12 months. For many, health and fitness top the list. Others may be interested in getting involved in their community, learning a new skill, or finding a new job. What will you do to make your resolutions a reality? We're offering five strategies to get you started. Have additional ideas? Please share them ...

1. 1. Keep It Simple

You may be tempted to try to lose weight while quitting smoking, saving money and spending more time with family. Instead, make just one or two achievable resolutions and stay focused on these goals. This increases the likelihood of success, and when you meet your goals, you can add a new one to your list.

1. 2. Set Realistic Expectations

If you haven’t run more than a mile in the last year, avoid signing up for a half-marathon that’s only six weeks away. Setting goals that are achievable will help you to stay motivated and avoid disappointment.

1. 3. Make a Plan

Assign a date by which you’re going to achieve success. Then get out a calendar and work backward from this date to figure out how you’re going to get there. At the end of this exercise you’ll have a list of focused and manageable weekly action items, instead of one broad idea about how to make your life better.

1. 4. Find a Buddy

Ask a friend to join you in making a change. This can be fun, rewarding and motivating. It also makes you accountable to each other, increasing the likelihood that you’ll both lace up those sneakers or sign up for that continuing education class.

1. 5. Commit to a Strong Beginning

You may have heard that it takes 21 days to break a habit. The truth is more complex – we all respond differently to change, so day 22 isn’t a magic one. What’s more important is sticking with something long enough to cause a shift in thinking. The first few weeks are bound to be the hardest, but soon your new approach will become part of your daily routine.