Don't Make New Years Resolutions

With Christmas and New Years approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to think about New Years Resolutions. Everyone wants to lose weight, Save money, be less selfish. The only problem is, is that people get so psyched about it on New Years Eve (I'm sure the alcohol helps a wee bit.) and then never keep them. Often times people make a resolution to Join WeightWatchers or work out every day. They start out the month being very excited and motivated. Often times come February 1st, that motivation is gone and they give up for the rest of the year.

I think the only way to fix this problem, is to not make resolutions at all. Make a resolution to no longer make resolutions. Scratch that. Don't make a resolution for that. You won't keep it! So I think what we must do, is possibly make small goals for ourselves. Don't set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals like I will lose 75 lbs by April. Set small goals such as I will work out five or six days a week, or I will cut back on sweets, or when I lose ten pounds I will buy myself a new Ipod to work out with. Then when I lose another ten pounds I will buy myself a new outfit. It is often better to not set timed goals. You will only get disappointed and quit if you don't make your goal in time. Also, do not go exactly by the number on the scale. Take your measurements. Take baby steps and you will get to your goals.

If your goal is to spend less money, sit down and try and make out a budget. My husband and I often have trouble with this. We have found that you need to be extremely realistic about how much you really spend on things. Little things like a diet soda here, a pack of cigarettes there really add up. It is very easy to spend more than you bring in. That is why often times we have ended up with a negative balance in our checking account. We have had to be realistic with ourselves and set a budget when we go grocery shopping. We bring a calculator so we stay on budget. The hardest thing for us, is making a list. Often times we find that the food we have bought we are never in the mood to eat and always end up wanting to go grab some fast food or eat out. This brings us to one of our mini goals for the year. Eating out less. No bringing home Burger King for breakfast, no grabbing In and Out Burger late at night. Once a week is plenty as far as eating out is concerned. This should also help with the losing weight goal as well. If you are the type of person that eats out often, it is not realistic to say you will never eat out again. Try and limit it to twice a week if possible.

If your goal is to be a better person, just take it in small steps. Smile more. Open doors for people. Say hello to strangers passing by. Help out at a soup kitchen if you want. Don't get mad at yourself if you are not the perfect citizen you hoped you would be. Just try to be a nicer person. You don't have to be a Saint, just try and be the best person you can be. Whatever your goals are, take them in baby steps and be realistic.