Resolutions (by Mysteri)

We all have resolutions that we have come to find for the "New Year" in hopes that sticking by them and improving our lives. Ultimately those resolutions, depending on the individual, do come to a halt and are forgotten about about half way through the month of January. Some may last through into February, but statistics say:

40 to 45% of American adult make one or more resolutions each year.
Among the top new years resolutions are resolutions about weight loss, exercise, and stopping to smoke. Also popular are resolutions dealing with better money management / debt reduction.

The following shows how many of these resolutions are maintained as time goes on:

- past the first week: 75%
- past 2 weeks: 71%
- after one month: 64%
- after 6 months: 46%

*This information provided by the proactivechange.com 


What some experts say is that our resolutions, such as a diet, quit smoking or even to just exercise more tend to be sabotaged by our closest friends at times and they don't even realize they are doing it. They say that keeping your resolution private, and to yourself, can ultimately keep you on the higher end of making that resolution 'resolved' as then your friends and family will keep themselves from handing you that extra piece of pie, or distracting you from a work out.


Here are some ways to be able to beat the myth of "It takes 21 days to make or break a cycle/habit."

1. Write down your goal. There is magic in the written word when it applies to you. Experts recommend stating your goal in positive terms, such as "I want to be lean and physically fit," instead of "I've got to get this flabby body out there huffing and puffing." So, begin with writing down, as a positive goal, the habit you will change.
   
2. List your reasons for changing or eliminating your habit. Writing it down will force you to think out in specific terms what this habit represents in your life and the meaning you believe your life will hold for you upon changing the habit. This will also help with your commitment toward taking positive action.
   
3. Find substitute routines. For example, if you are changing eating habits and you have identified a particularly difficult time of the day when eating habits are poor, create an activity, a new routine for that time.
   
4. Talk to yourself. Tell yourself you're making progress. Remind yourself that you are moving closer to your goal.. Talk to yourself throughout the day about how you are going to avoid triggers that can get you off track and make healthy substitutes.
   
5. Recruit helpers for support. Explain to them why you are making this change. Ask for their support. Their support may be needed encouragement.
   
6. Be prepared for people who may sabotage your change. Be assertive and tell them what they are doing.

*Thank you FrancisFarmersRevenge.com!


Ps: I have already set my New Years Resolution... but only one other knows about it... Master.  Let's hope that he will help me hold them true and ultimately keep on top of me (evil wink) to keep true to myself and aiming for the better side of things.