How to Make a New Year's Resolution You Will Keep

As the year comes to an end and you start looking forward to the New Year, it is natural to think about your accomplishments, the things you could have done differently or the things you would like to do. The new year is a perfect time to get a fresh start, but how many of those New Year's Resolutions will actually be accomplished and how many will simply be forgotten. Here are some ways that you can make a New Year's resolution that you will actually keep.

Instructions

1. Set a realistic goal. Getting in shape or getting out of debt are worthy New Year's Resolutions but they are too broad. Instead of deciding to get into shape, decide that you will lose 40 pounds or run in the local 5K marathon. Instead of planning to get out of debt, make it a goal to pay off one credit card. Make your resolution challenging, but not so difficult that you will get frustrated and give up. Consider the time, money and other resources you have available when making your goal.

2. Make a plan. Write your New Year's resolution down and brainstorm everything that you will need to accomplish it. Break the main goal up into mini goals and decide on the date you want to have each of these mini goals accomplished.

3. Find your motivation. Decide why you want to accomplish your goal. Write down what will you gain and why it is important to you. Find a picture or object to remind you of your New Year's Resolution and place it somewhere that you will see it often.

4. Prepare for setbacks. Setbacks will happen, but if you prepare for them, they will not keep you from reaching your goal. For example, if you have decided to put a certain amount of money towards a credit card, what will you do if you have an unforeseen financial crisis? Decide now how you will handle anything that will side track you from accomplishing your resolution.

5. Be accountable. Make your New Year's resolution and then tell the world about it...or at least tell your spouse or a good friend! Enlist others to help you succeed in meeting your goal. Make sure the people you ask for help will be supportive and encouraging. Write down your mini goals on your calendar and keep track of your progress in a planner or notebook.

6. Be flexible. Sometimes circumstances beyond your control will make it so that you are not able to accomplish your mini goals on time or even your main goal. As the year progresses, your priorities or situation may change, so periodically reevaluate your New Year's Resolution and make adjustments if necessary.

7. Celebrate success. As you accomplish each milestone, give yourself a pat on the back. Each step, no matter how small, is one step closer to meeting your final goal. Remember that even partial successes are still successes. If, at the year's end, you still haven't completed your entire goal, look at what you have accomplished. With each small step, you are better off than you were when you started, and that is worth celebrating. Anything that is still unfinished can be added to your New Year's resolution for the next year.

Tips & Warnings

• Only set two or three main goals for the year. If you try to do too many things at once, you risk losing focus and becoming burnt out.

Resources

• More articles by ~Analana~
• More tips on making New Years resolutions