5 Ways To Keep Your New Year Resolutions

The holidays are almost in full swing and all you can think about are those pesky New Year’s Resolutions you have to make in a few weeks. It’s our desperate attempt to clean the slate and start afresh as a new and improved you. Whether you have decided to lose a few pounds, improve your credit score, land a better job or spend more valuable time with your kids, it’s hard. Have no fear and prepare by creating a plan on how you will keep them!

A guest post by Sara Dawkins

Write it out: There is something about writing out your goals rather than thinking about them. Write your resolutions out on paper: list why you want this goal, how you plan on doing it and what you will do once it’s completed. Another trick is to set a reminder on your computer to alert you once a week or every two weeks. Or try the old fashioned way and place sticky notes around your home, car or office to help you remind you.

Small Steps:  Once you have set your resolutions, take baby steps. Set up tiny goals to get you to accomplish your big goal. An example would be: work out once a week, and then slowly increase it to two days a week and so on.

Reward Yourself: Rewarding yourself for a job well done is key in your success. That new gadget you have been eyeing for months or that weekend trip to your favourite city is motivating. Don’t forget to write it down on your goal sheet.

Accountability Partner: Whether it is your spouse or a friend, having someone walk with you along the way is easier. Share with your partner the resolutions you have and tell them your rewards.  Your partner’s job is to keep you motivated, giving you a call at random to see how things are going and to remind you of your goals. In return, be there for them. You can rely on each other and make it a fun competition!

Accept Mistakes: No one is perfect. There will be easy days and then there will be really tough days. You may not want to go to the gym or you may slip up and smoke a cigarette. You will make a mistake. And when you do, all you can do is accept it. Do not beat yourself up. Get right back on that horse and take the challenge head on!

Author Bio

Sara is an active nanny as well as an active freelance writer. She is a frequent contributor of http://www.nannypro.com/.