New Year's Resolutions That Work

The beginning of a new year is an attractive time for people to consider making major changes in their lives. It is also a time when they can set themselves up for failure and disappointment. Making changes can be particularly difficult for people suffering from depression, eating disorders, and other problems, but with time, energy, patience, and hard work, you can succeed.

Use the following guidelines for making and keeping a New Year’s resolution:

1. Make sure you are truly motivated. You have a greater chance for success if you are changing because YOU want to do it – not to please others.
2. Make specific goals. Instead of "I will be a better person." try "I will be more honest in my relationships." Instead of "I will exercise more." try "I will walk two miles three times a week."
3. Aim for gradual progress. The habits you would like to change did not develop overnight, and they will not change suddenly, either. Start slowly and set a pace that seems realistic. If you have not been exercising, think about walking three times per week instead of joining a health club with the goal of daily workouts.
4. Evaluate your progress. In a week or two, look at your original plan. If you made progress, you might want to add another goal. If you did not make progress, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, ask yourself what went wrong, and what you can do differently. Try again, but change the plan so that you have a better chance of reaching your goals.
5. Be kind to yourself, and always give yourself credit for making an effort. Regardless of how successful you were in making changes, you deserve credit for trying. Sooner or later, those who make the effort will find a way to succeed.
6. Limit your time with difficult people whenever you can. Instead of being afraid of your brother’s road rage, think up a reason to travel in a separate car. Stay at a hotel instead of at your critical cousin’s house. Invite your nosy neighbor over for dessert instead of dinner.
7. Begin again if you drift off course. It is never too late to start over. Regardless of what you may have done (or have not done) in the past, you always have the power to make better choices for yourself starting now.

By following the points above, you can begin to move away from a perfectionistic, all-or-nothing, self-critical approach to daily living. In an effort to support your efforts to change, MySelfHelp.com programs include information, exercises, and tools to help you change underlying attitudes and behavior, and make positive, lasting changes in your life.

Author: Richard Bedrosian, Ph.D.
Website: http://www.myselfhelp.com/