New Year's Resolutions that work

Every year people decide to make New Year resolutions but there will be some significant differences between the goals made, the people that made them and the optimism that they will be achieved. It is these differences that can make the difference in the outcome.

You will notice that at the beginning of every year gyms across the nation put out their best offers. The most common offer is a month's free membership and no joining fee. Gyms love this time of year because some many New Year resolutions include getting fitter and loosing weight. Statistically gyms can only profit. This is because of all the people that sign up only a small percentage will still be using the gym after 3 months but most will still be paying their monthly fees promising themselves that they will go 'when they have time'. They don't prioritise going to the gym so consequently don't make the time for it.

New Year resolutions have a very big factor in their favour: they begin on a significant date that allows the past to stay in the past and all offer opportunity and hope for the future. It can be any significant date that draws a line in the sand of time.

How you perceive your ability to keep your resolutions plays a big part in your success. If you think you can or you think you can't, you're right. Research has shown that some people believe that their determination will only last for so long and then they will 'have' to go back to their old ways. Guess what? If this is what you believe and focus on, this is what will happen. But when you believe that you do have the determination to follow through then guess what? You follow through. Just because you didn't follow through last year does not mean that the same thing will happen in 2015. It is YOUR choice.

Finally for what purpose are you choosing specific New Year resolutions? What will you gain if you achieve them? What will you loose if you don't? If it is a big goal your reason (purpose) has to be so big and hairy that you can only continue because the alternative is too unpalatable. It is also a really good idea to make some smaller resolutions that are fun, enjoyable and give you great satisfaction. For example you might like to choose a creative project for the year, each month or even weekly. Being creative is extremely important.

To give you some tips and examples here is a great piece by Wendy Squires. I hope that you find it as inspirational as I did:
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/best-wishes-for-the-new-year--here-are-mine-20141228-12b0e0.html


Wishing you a very happy and successful 2015

Sarah