Year after year, you may find yourself making new year resolutions but never really being successful in keeping them. New Year is not just about making resolutions, it is about achieving them. Set challenging and specific goals that are realistic at the same time.
Don’t expect dramatic results that will happen overnight. Create smaller goals that will eventually lead you towards your big goal. For example, if you want to lose 20 pounds, start by setting smaller goals such as losing 5 pounds this month and then 6 pounds in the next month and so on …
It is better to write down your resolutions, and post them somewhere you can see every day, so that you don’t forget them and keep reminding yourself.
1. Get in shape
Go to gym at least 5 times a week, and workout for 60 to 90 minutes. Or do some aerobics at home. Play some music and work out with your whole family.
2. Walk everyday
Make it a point to walk briskly for at least 30 minutes everyday, early in the mornings or in the evenings. If you feel too bored to walk alone, take your pet for a walk. Or else make it a family affair. Walking together can be loads of fun and healthy for the whole family.
3. Eat healthier
Consume low-fat milk and yogurt. Eat at least 5 fruits and 5 veggies every day, and limit your consumption of junk foods. Cut down your intake of fries and oils, and substitute bad oils with healthier options such as olive oil. Don’t deprive yourself of pies and cookies altogether, it is okay to indulge yourself once in a while.
4. Kick your bad habits
Cut down your intake of alcohol, wine, colas and sodas. Also kick your smoking habit. It’s never too late to ditch your bad habits and start afresh with life. Break down your long-term plans into smaller and easier steps. Suppose you plan to quit smoking completely by year end, then you need to cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke every day and then slowly quit smoking altogether.
5. Organize your life
Make a list of all the tasks according to their priorities and try to accomplish them one by one. Set realistic goals, that you can achieve. Work hard in your professional life and be true to yourself.
6. Have more fun
Schedule fun activities, like bike riding, cycling, swimming, soccer, skiing, snow boarding etc. Apart from fun, all these activities give you the much needed physical-exercise to keep you fit and healthy.
7. Spend wisely and get rid of debts
Free yourself from debts if any, by paying a small amount each month. Try to save money from your earnings to buy something you always wanted. Don’t spend too much on unnecessary and unimportant stuff.
8. Spend more time with family and friends
You may have been ignoring your family and friends due to your busy schedules, so try to reserve a few hours for them each day or at least on weekends. Play with your kids for 2 to 3 hours on Sundays and bond with your family. Go out for dinner once a week with your family and once with your friends. Watch a movie together.
9. Reward your success along the way
But do not reward with food. Rewards encourage you to attain your goals, that look difficult to achieve. Celebrate little milestones by treating yourself to a movie, or buy new clothes or music CD. Setting up a reward system is an excellent strategy to help you stick to your long-term goal.
10. Be positive and stay motivated
Track your progress from time to time. Don’t make excuses or blame others if you are unsuccessful. Take responsibility and bring the changes you want in your life. And yes, don’t give up if you fail at some attempts. The game is not over if you think it is over. It is over the moment you give up thinking that it’s over !
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!