Every year, usually around 11:45pm on New Year's Eve, with a drink in one hand and food in the other, we make New Year Resolutions to get us back on track.
What will yours be?
Studies have shown that the most common resolutions are to lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier, be more financially stable, enjoy a better work situation and have richer relationships.
The question has always been: How do we get our Resolutions to stick?
Here are 4 steps that will ensure your Resolutions do what they say on the tin:
1. Prepare Early, Write It Down and Date It
Think about your Resolution before New Years Eve! The earlier you decide, the better position you are in to make it happen for yourself. Write it down with a Date for it's completion.
2. Costs and Double Motivation
There are two kinds of motivation, positive and negative - it's best to have them both working for you. First, there is the positive motivation of how good and brilliant it will be to have achieved your Resolution. Second, the negative motivation looks at what it would cost you and those around you, should you let it slip.
3. Tell the People
Share your Resolution with friends and family. That way, they can encourage and cajole you into sticking to it. Also, ask them to support you.
4. Take your First Step before New Year
Take your first step NOW! Then plan 3 more steps and write them in your diary. Tick each one off when it's done and give yourself due credit.
That should give you a flying start to 2007!
/ends