As partygoers prepared to ring in 2009, one survey found that the most common New Year's resolutions included vows to lose weight, develop healthy habits, or shed bad habits.
However, simply pledging to mend your ways may not be enough to change your habits - as your bathroom scales, ashtrays, or neglected gym membership may have reminded you last February. Instead of quickly reeling off a list of big changes for 2010, take a few moments to set goals that you can actually reach:
- Be clear. The National Institutes of Health suggests that you set goals that are specific and attainable. Avoid simply saying "I'll exercise more." Decide how many minutes you'll exercise and how often. Make your sessions short enough at the beginning that they'll be appealing.
- Write it down. It's easy to forget that you made that pledge on Dec. 31 - which was so last year, after all. Put your resolution in writing to help hold you to your promise. While you're at it, jot down a few reasons why you made that resolution. Do you want to stop smoking so you'll feel better or because you want to see your grandkids graduate from high school? Writing these reasons can help you give yourself a friendly tap on the shoulder later.
- Keep records. If you're trying to eat more fruits and vegetables, keep a log of how many you eat each day. Or step on the scales regularly and record your weight. This also helps keep you accountable for sticking to your resolution.
- Allow wiggle room. Avoid making all-or-nothing resolutions like "I'll run three miles every day." Allow yourself to rest or fall off-track temporarily without feeling like you might as well quit for good. On the other hand, if you do waver from your path, brush yourself off and get back on track.
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