Will You Stick to Your New Years Resolutions This Year?

My goal for the next couple of days is to write my New Year's Resolutions for 2007.

To be honest, I've procrastinated a bit. I've been thinking about what I want to focus on for 2007 and how to write the resolutions so they actually come true. As I'm sure you have, I've experienced the frustration of creating resolutions but not see them come into fruition.

Goal-setting is an art and a science. If goals aren't set in the right ways, they are unlikely to be achieved.

The top 5 reasons why people's resolutions don't get achieved are:

1. They're too vague. If you say something like, "begin a regular exercise schedule" it is unlikely to happen. This is simply too vague of a plan. Remember to create SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic, and Time-Limited
2. They're not really motivating. Sometimes we'll say something that we think *should* be motivating but in reality it isn't for us. Question your resolution by asking, "Is this really motivating to me. Why or why not?"
3. There are underlying mental blocks. If part, even a small part, of you is nervous about what would happen if you did achieve your goal, you are likely to continue keeping it at bay. To uncover inner blocks, ask yourself, "If I did accomplish my goal, what do I worry could happen?"
4. We don't reinforce our behaviors. The best way to get yourself to do more of something is to reward it. If your goal is to cook your own healthy meals 4 nights per week and you do it just 2 days in a week, recognize what you DID do rather than what you didn't do. Create a reward system for yourself- realize the benefits of the action and you're likely to repeat it more often.
5. They depend on someone else. If your resolutions depend on someone else, find out whether they have the same resolution. If not, you may become frustrated with your own progress. One of my goals, for example, is to keep a cleaner house. My fiance doesn't necessarily have this resolution, so we looked for a way to help me achieve mine without becoming frustrated. (Our solution and holiday present to each other is to hire a house cleaner twice each month.)

I love resolutions if they're done in the way that they'll come true. Don't force yourself to make them, but if you have some inspiration, keep these 5 points in mind- now you know how to meet your goals this new year.

Cheers to an extraordinary 2007!

- Larina