Make new year's resolutions that stick
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New year, new start! At this time of year everybody is making resolutions for the year ahead, but chances are that lots of them have already been broken. So how do you go about making resolutions that stick? Here's some advice to help you keep going with your resolutions all the way to 2015.
Be specific
First things first, set definite goals. You likely won't get anywhere if you don't have something specific to work towards. For example, rather than aiming to lose weight, decide how much you want to lose and how you're going to do it. Divide up big goals into achievable stages - such as buying gym membership, swimming once a week or cutting sugar out of your diet for a month - so you can tick them off when they're done.
In the spirit of completionism, it's a great idea to write down your goals. You could even dedicate a notebook to your resolutions to help you track your progress.
Be realistic
The key to making effective resolutions is not to make too many! It's admirable to want to lose weight, learn three languages and take up the piano all in one year but you might be setting your sights too high. Cut down to two or three important resolutions that you can really concentrate on.
If you've made resolutions before, you can learn from them. Consider what your schedule allows you to do and be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to new pursuits. Want to take up sewing? Buy a simple sewing kit and start small: when you work out that you're serious about your new hobby you can make more time for it.
Make it fun
It doesn't have to all be hard work, so why not make a fun resolution? Promise yourself to go to the cinema once a month, take up a new hobby or do something exciting that you've always wanted to try, like bungee-jumping! It can be easy to get swamped by work and other commitments, so resolve to set aside time for having fun this year.
As for your other resolutions, why not do them with a friend? Not only is it more enjoyable to be social but you'll motivate each other to keep going too. Whatever your resolution, you can find someone to do it with, from roping in a buddy to go to the gym with, to finding a foreign language pen friend or joining a writing group to help you finally write that novel.
Don't give up
Remember, it's never too late to start. 1st January is only a nominal date: if you couldn't start then or you find yourself sliding, you can always start again the following week. It's better than letting it go for the rest of the year!
Don't forget to treat yourself when you do succeed. Whether you reward yourself with a day at a spa, a shopping spree or something new for your home, like a brand new bedspread, give yourself a treat when you complete a task or keep up a resolution for a month. It'll really up your motivation when you know you have something to look forward to.
This year, treat yourself and your friends with gifts from DotComGiftShop, and good luck with your resolutions!