I hate the term “New Year’s resolutions”. I cringe whenever I think about them or hear people talk about them.
I have to admit that at one time or another I have fallen into the “resolution” mentality. I resolved to do a lot of things in the New Year. Losing weight, eating healthy, exercising and getting organized seemed to be on top of my resolution list year after year. Well… I’m still overweight, I don’t eat healthy like I should, exercise – no way! And I’m far from organized (it’s more like “organized chaos”).
Years ago I decided I was no longer going to make New Year’s resolutions. Instead I was going to make an effort to do more positive things in my life. I don’t actually specify exactly what I plan on doing. I don’t tell myself I’m going to lose weight. Instead I will try and make a more conscious decision about what I eat and try and opt for healthier foods. I won’t resolve to be more organized, but rather I will make a conscientious attempt to be organized and more efficient.
I know that many people are stuck on the idea of making resoultions for the New Year. After all, along with family, friends, and festivities, the holiday season is a time for new beginnings and new resolutions.
As you approach a new year, it is important to reflect on what you have accomplished in the past year and where you would like the future to take you.
Terri Savelle Foy, a Life Coach, and author of Make Your Dreams Bigger than Your Memories (Regal, 2010), walks readers step by step to a more rewarding future. Terri travels around the country speaking to audiences on the importance of setting and keeping goals.
According to Terri, 4 out of 5 people who make New Year’s resolutions this month will eventually break them. In fact, 1/3 won’t even make it to the end of January!
In order to achieve your goals, Terri stresses the importance of not repeating the same mistakes as last year. “If you struggled in an area last year, make up your mind that you will defeat this thing and get in the best shape of your life,” said Terri.
Here are some guidelines that Terri suggests to remember as you start thinking about your goals:
– Goals must be in writing. Goals that are not written down are just wishes.
– Goals must be measurable. There’s a big difference in saying, “I want to lose weight” and saying “I will lose 10 pounds by March 1.” Your goals must be measured by something; this is what increases your chances of achieving them.
– Goals must be realistic. If your goals are completely unrealistic, then you’re setting yourself up for defeat. Be practical.
– Goals must have a deadline. You will be more determined to achieve your goal when you have a deadline. Always assign a deadline to your goals. It’s energizing and motivating.
– Reward yourself when you reach certain milestones toward your goal. If your goal is to lose 50 pounds, reward your progress and treat yourself when you reach 10 pounds. This will keep you motivated and help keep your momentum going.
– Put yourself in situations that will be conducive to reaching your goals. Surround yourself with positive people who will help you achieve your goals. If your goal is to save money, don’t go out with friends who are lavish spenders.
Terri Savelle Foy is a gifted speaker and author with a passion to instill value and ignite vision in people all over the world. She is the president and founder of Terri Savelle Foy Ministries and also serves as the executive vice president of Jerry Savelle Ministries International. She is the co-host for the Jerry Savelle Ministries TV broadcast that reaches a worldwide audience.
Terri communicates life-changing truth with creativity, humor, and transparency. Through personal experience and proven results, Terri teaches people how to be free from issues rooted in fear such as rejection, insecurity, passivity, low self-esteem, shame and guilt. She reveals practical tips to help people develop vision, confidence and discipline that will lead them into God’s perfect plan for their lives.
Terri’s best-selling books include Make Your Dreams Bigger Than Your Memories and You’re Valuable to God.
For more information about Terri, go to www.Terri.com.
Are you planning on making any New Year’s resolutions this year? If so I would love to hear from you. Or are you like me and have given up on resolutions, but hope to make better life choices in the New Year?
Do you have any additional tips to sticking with your resolutions?
Feel free to comment.
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post, nor was I asked to post this. I posted this for the benefit and enjoyment of my site readers. Any opinions expressed are my own unless otherwise noted.
Margie says
I usually don’t make actual New Year’s resolutions. But last year I made a conscious effort to eat more healthy foods and get more exercise. I like the steps you outlined for making a goal.
momznite says
I haven’t tried applying general goal setting strategies to New Year’s Resolutions, but it makes a lot of sense.
Jerry@CarpetCleaningJacksonville says
I think everyone can use a life coach. The problem is most people think they don’t need one. I have had many mentors over the years and I value each one.
Jerry
Betty Baez says
haha sounds just like me as of the middle of this year i realized what have been doing, making resolutions and not sticking to them and this year i would like to do things differently. Thank you for the tips!
anna pry says
I dont even wait for new years, I try to improve my life all the time. Resolutions have never made an impact for me
Eileen says
It’s funny, you dont plan a wedding, build a house or work on a project, or even go GROCERY shopping without a plan or list. I am thinking this is where I failed so many times. Putting it in writing makes you look at it…a goal. You can be accountable to yourSELF and I thought I could not do it without being accountable to someone ELSE> makes total sense!