Happy New Year! 6 Ways to Make Your Resolutions a Reality

If you are like most people than you probably started out this new year with a list of new goals for yourself.  You know a new you for the new year kind of thing.  I know how you feel; a resolution created because it's a new year can be exciting and inspiring.  However, the problems start when your resolve stops.  And again like most people that usually happens sometime before Valentine's Day.  And by Memorial Day you don't even remember what your resolutions were; and then before you know it, it's New Year's Eve again!  Now suddenly you remember last year's resolution and start berating yourself saying, How did I waste another whole year?

This year CAN be different!  Turn your resolutions into a reality by focusing on the reality of things.  In other words; creating goals for ourselves is important to our achievement however, not when our goals are unrealistic or too out of reach because we don't  take the time to figure out HOW to achieve the goals.  Goals should be clear, simple to understand, measurable and do-able.  The other thing to keep in mind this time of year is to just focus on one or two important resolutions or goals that will have a profound and positive impact on your life rather than coming up with a dozen things you are going to do differently in the new year.

Take a look at the list below for some strategies to implement to help make whatever your resolution(s) might be into a reality finally.  Won't it be great to celebrate rather than scold yourself next New Year's Eve!

• Write it down!  You have heard it before (especially from me) but the truth is there is power in your pen!  Writing down your goals forces you to get clear about what you want.  Taking pen to paper will allow you to create a contract with yourself.  Taking the time to put your thoughts on paper also brings those thoughts "outside" of you.  Now your words can speak back to you from the paper.
• Find a replacement.  If one of your resolutions is to stop doing something or to break a bad habit; what will you replace it with?  What can you choose to add to your life that will fill a possible void left by eliminating even a bad habit?  This will allow you to focus on adding positive things to your life rather than just removing negative.
• Tell someone else.  Talking about your goal(s) -regardless of what it is - with someone else will give you support and encouragement as well as a sense of accountability.  And that can accelerate your progress.
• Take baby steps every day.  Even small steps taken toward a goal consistently will move you in the right direction.  Focus on progress rather than perfection.  Consistent effort over time is how we accomplish our goals so don't give up!
• Decide and act.  The one thing that gets in the way of accomplishing our goals is often ourselves!  The first step in getting out of your own way is to make a decision about what you really, really, really want.  Then the next step is to take action!  A decisive plan and a positive outlook are great but that alone does not get the hob done!  You must take action!  So once you make the resolution, how will you get there?  What's the plan?
• Celebrate your successes.  Anytime you reach a milestone in your progress, stop for a moment and celebrate!  Acknowledge your accomplishments in a positive way.  For example, if your New Year's resolution is to loose 30 pounds, acknowledge the first 10.  If you drop a size in clothing, buy a new outfit.  Celebrating your success is rewarding yourself for the progress you have made and that will inspire you to stick to your action plan.