We’ve ushered in 2016 and now come the New Year resolutions! We’ve all made them and will continue making them year after year. Statistics say that almost half of the US population will make at least one resolution this year. We feel very confident in saying you’ve said at least one of these; I’m going to lose weight this year, I’m finally going to stop smoking, this year I will find that new job, stop my drinking, save more money, get out of debt, eat healthy, get organized, spend more time with family, and a host of others. I know we have!
The beginning of a brand new year gives everyone the incentive to make this year the one they start over, begin anew and make life changing events. Why then do most of us fail? We start off with grand plans and a gung ho attitude and by the end of February, if not sooner, we are back to the good old life style we had last year. No matter how hard we try or how much great attitude we bring to the table, we just can’t seem to make it happen.
Almost 25% of us make losing weight our resolution. Memberships to gyms are at their peak during the first of the year. Yet by the end of February most memberships go unused. Smokers and drinkers last a little longer, but within a few months they are back to the old habits, some smoking or drinking more than before. Saving money and paying off debit start off strong, but they too fall by the wayside.
We did some online research into some of the reasons we fail and there are many. However, there is one that appears high on the list of almost every article read. We all set unrealistic goals and expectations. We try and try and when we fail, become discouraged. “Why can’t I manage to do this, I am trying my best?” This damages our self-esteem. Sending us right back to the very life style we had last year, the year before and the year before that.
Along with setting our goals too high, we try to do it all by ourselves. We think we are strong enough to do it, and when we can’t, we slide right back into the old habits that fit us so well.
So, does that mean we all stop trying, since we are doomed to fail before we even start? Should we just resign ourselves to being overweight, in debt, not a penny in our savings, drunk, reeking of smoke, disorganized and underpaid? We don’t think so.
The Murray Morris Group would love to support you in your goals as you implement your own new year’s resolutions. Use the comment section to let us know what is working for you. Each milestone you meet and exceeded. Every tip, hint or action helping you succeed as you go through the year. Each week we will read all the comments posted and when possible, find suggestions and resources to assist each of you in this journey. We want to help make 2016 the year you actually reach our goals!
So what can we start doing? After searching some more and reading a massive amount of articles on the subject, we put together a list of some of the steps to try implementing this year. With all of us pulling together, perhaps this will be the year we actually succeed!
Select only one resolution to work on at a time.
If you are a smoker and a drinker, decide which goes first. These are both major issues and will never succeed if done together. One at a time is the best route to take. If you want to pay off your bills and save money, the best course of action might be to get those bills all paid. Then the money you used for bills can become money you save. If you’re going to lose weight but you also want to eat healthier, you can incorporate these two together. When you attain your goal, you can move on to another resolution, you don’t need to wait until next year!
Set a specific, realistic, and reasonable goal that you KNOW you can make!
Don’t be general with your goal, such as “I will stop smoking,” “I will lose weight,” I will pay off my debt.” Make the goal specific and attainable, such as “I will lose 10 pounds each quarter of 2016,” I will cut back on a half pack of cigarettes each week,” I will make double payments on one of my charge cards and move to the next card when that one is clear.”
Focus your thoughts on “now” and be emotionally and mentally aware as you concentrate on attaining your goal.
Don’t think about the past, and what you “could” have done. What's the one thing you can do today, right now, towards your goal?
Celebrate successes on a regular basis. wait for the goal to be finally completed. Hold mini celebrations as each small step is reached.
Dont wait for the goal to be completed. Hold mini celebrations as each small step is reached. Celebrate successes on a regular basis
Enlist an “Accountability Buddy”
Find someone close to you that you can report to. Someone who will be honest and straightforward during this trip. And someone who will be quick to congratulate you on each milestone you meet.
And last, but not least, face this as a new adventure in your life, not a trial to go through. Make it fun and exciting! Laugh when things go wrong and then jump back on that horse and take off again.
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