Help! My Partner is Sabotaging My New Year Resolutions!

We all start the New Year with great expectations for change and the best of intentions but what do you do when you take action and someone you love sabotages your efforts?

Here are some tips for moving forward without leaving your mate behind!

Let them know the change will be good for both of you.
Often when one partner makes a change the other feels like they are not included in the process and may even feel left behind. Letting your partner know that they are part of your change will ease their mind and maybe even make them want to change too.

Stay away from the influence.
If you are trying to quit smoking and your partner isn't ready to quit, avoid the temptation to join them. Ask your partner to smoke outside. If you are dieting and your partner enjoys baking, ask them to bake for friends and keep the leftovers out of your sight.

Write it out.Maybe your partner is unaware of their sabotage. Write down incidents of destruction and show your partner at the end of the week. Seeing evidence is sometimes all it takes to make a person change their behavior.

Go it alone.
Sometimes not telling someone your plans will keep them from accidentally getting in your way. If your plan is to be debt free by the end of the year, pay more on your bills but don't discuss it. If your partner wonders where the money is going ask them to show you their expenditures. Pick out a few things that could be whittled down to make it to your goal and tell them you would have more money if they gave up a few things.

Ask for help.
Put your partner in charge of one aspect of your changes. If you are trying to exercise more ask them to average your times on the treadmill or figure out how many miles you walked this week. Maybe if they see your progress they will want to be involved.

Beat it.
Everyone backs a winner. Show your partner what you have accomplished so far and what your goals are for the future. As they see what you accomplish, chances are they will tell others what their partner is capable of and may even want to be part of it.

Together you can accomplish your goals and it is much easier with cooperation than with competition so remember not to get irate and angry and force your partner to fight you on your changes. Take it easy and do it together for faster results!