How to Stick To Your Resolutions

New Years resolutions often fall by the wayside, if you follow these steps then you can make this the year you keep your resolutions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Pen
• Willpower
• Your Planner or PDA

1. Clearly define your goals. "Lose Weight" is an admirable goal, but it is too vague to do you any good. Try something more specific like "Lose 30 pounds by the end of the year and keep it off" or "Lose 2 pounds a week on average".

2. Plan out the steps you need to achieve your goals and write them down. Make them simple and easy to measure. For example, if you were trying to stop smoking your first goal may be, "Switch to light's" or "Make an appointment with my doctor". The idea is that you need to pick something that you can give a clear, "Yes, I did this." or a "No, I didn't do this." reply on the deadline day.

3. Set deadlines for when each step should be accomplished, and put them in your planner. This way you are committed to the goals, and they are part of your everyday life, not an abstract notion.

4. Follow up at regular intervals to assess how well you are doing. If an area needs work, you will have to adjust your plan to devote more time to that area.

Tips & Warnings

• Be realistic.
• If you are doing anything with your health, consult your doctor.