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“New year, new you” is the mantra for this particular time of year. As we cross the threshold into 2014, we begin to make vows to make this New Year more rewarding than the last. Many of us make resolutions to lose weight, spend less and save more money, quit smoking, and other efforts in leaving behind old habits and embracing healthy new ones. Unfortunately, it’s all too common that the majority of us fail to complete our resolutions. According to Statistics Brain, 45% of us make the resolutions but only 8% of us actually see them through to the end. Looking at the low success rate we have to wonder why we don’t always fulfill the promises that we make to ourselves. It has nothing to do with being weak-willed or lazy. Here are the three most common obstacles in making New Year resolutions and how to overcome them with a little bit of organization and motivation.
1) The Resolution was Vague and Directionless
Let’s say your resolution is to lose weight. That resolution is great in itself but it doesn’t specify how much weight you want to lose and how to do it. Give yourself a specific and realistic target to aim for and create a plan that helps you to measure your progress.
2) Too Much Too Fast
It’s easy to make over-the-top New Year resolutions. Many of us who make these resolutions expect instant success. When we don’t see the progress within a short amount of time, feelings of discouragement, frustration, and loss of motivation sets in. Soon, you begin to tell yourself that all of your efforts have gone to waste and then you’re back to where you’ve started. Rather than feel frustrated and give up, recognize that real growth takes time. Be patient and preserve through the temporary setbacks. The resolution is a year-long journey and not a race to see how much you can accomplish in such a short period of time.
3) No Support Network
When trying to accomplish any goal, it’s important to be surrounded by people who believe in you and want to see you succeed. When there’s no one around you to support you and hold you accountable, you are tempted to slide back into your old habits. Gather your friends and family, let them know of your resolution, and ask them to help you reach your goal. Distance yourself from those who aren’t supportive of you and your goal. Toxic energy and negative people don’t deserve a place in your life anyways.
The most important thing to remember when making New Year’s resolutions is to keep them simple and fun. If you can incorporate some element of fun into planning your resolution—such as rewarding yourself with a small treat for completing each step—then the task won’t seem so daunting. Also, make sure that you are doing this goal for yourself and no one else. The resolution should only be set by and made to enhance yourself, not to please anyone.
From all of us at Fresh Print magazine, Happy 2014!