By Pam Solberg-Tapper, as seen on Good Morning Northland WDIO TV, with Maarja Anderson.
Here are some ways to nail your New Years Resolutions this year.
1. Focus on One Specific Realistic Goal – it takes mental and emotional energy to overcome ingrained behaviors so it is easy to understand why multiple resolutions can be overwhelming. Thus, stick to only one goal at a time. Also, be specific. Losing weight is not an explicit goal. Losing 12 pounds in 90 days would be. Even more specific – “over the next month, lose 4 pounds by cutting calorie intake to 1700 calories/day and briskly walking 30 minutes a day.”
2. Know Your Why – understand your motivation. A goal must be meaningful or you won’t stick to it. Ask yourself “Why is this goal important to me?” and write down the reasons. Review these reasons daily to keep motivation strong. Also rate your goals level of importance on a scale of 1-10. Compelling goals are at least an 8.
3. Enlist an Accountability Partner – find someone that has your best interests in mind and will help you stay focused. Then check in with them at least weekly. Knowing that you have someone to report to will enhance your success. Contract with this person to give you pep talks, praise you when you reach your sub goals and challenge you when you get off track.
By applying these techniques you will keep focus on what is important to you.