Many of us decide to shed pounds, bad habits, and our slothful instincts as the new year arrives.
In fact, according to a survey by the Marist Poll last December, about a half – 48 percent to be exact – of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. Not everybody keeps those promises, however. The pool report said that in 65 percent said they kept their resolutions for part of the year 2009, and 35 percent did not.
Men were actually better at keep those resolutions than women – 70 percent of men said they kept their promises for at least part of 2009, compared to 59 percent of women.
So, can you succeed once you make the resolution, be it to stop smoking, lose weight, and get more exercise?
Yes, but as many have found in the past, it’s sure not easy.
Here are some tips to get you off on the right foot:
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Don’t shoot for the moon. You’re unlikely to be one person on Dec. 31 and a completely new person 24 hours later. So try to pick a goal that is easy to define, and that is doable.
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Make yourself a list of why you want to start or stop a behavior, with particular notes on why you want to change. Want to lose weight? Include some pictures of yourself now, and then add to them as you lose. Will you suffer from setbacks, and dive into that ice cream treat when you really are trying to lose weight? Probably, lots of people try, but then see themselves backsliding. If that happens to you, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start anew.
- See if any of your friends are aiming for the same goals you are, and talk to them about your progress, or lack thereof.
Are you good at keeping New Year's resolutions? If so, share your tips by commenting below.
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