Make Manageable Resolutions

It's that time of year again. Everyone is sitting around thinking about New Year's resolutions. Every year die-hard resolutionaries (yep, my word) prepare to tackle that one big change they couldn't make in their lives any other time. Some will try to work less, others will try to work more, smokers will try to quit (for the umpteenth time), drinkers will attempt to catch up with the wagon so they can get on it again (sadly, it's usually rolling too fast).

For most people, a resolution is something they just couldn't accomplish before. The thinking is that a new year comes with a clean slate and a fresh start. Surveys show, however, that more than one third of all New Year's resolutions never make it to Groundhog Day. There are many theories as to why this happens, but mine is that people tend to set their sights a bit too high.

If you're going to try one of the top three resolutions - to quit smoking or lay off the booze or lose weight - simply making the decision to do so, whether on January 1^st or any other day, is hardly enough to make it happen. You have to take the initiatives that set those efforts in motion.

The difficulty of overcoming an addition to alcohol, cigarettes or junk food can be overwhelming. For those folks, I would suggest seeking support groups, weight loss programs and professional organizations that can help you set a plan and offer the assistance for you to stick to it.

In the meantime, people should consider smaller resolutions with attainable, short-term goals. For example, if you tend to work too much, resolve to take a break more often. I know many of us, me included, are in a sort of survival mode because of the shaky economy. But taking a day or even a few hours every few days to do something relaxing can help keep you focused and more productive.

Have you resolved to make more time for friends and family? Avoid committing to lengthy activities. Get together with people in small chunks of time like over coffee or going out to lunch. Would you like to meet new people and grow your circle of friends? Step away from the computer and get out!

Look for groups of people in your area who meet with similar interests. The free website Meetup.com features dozens of locally-organized activities such as dance groups, movie and book clubs, and social mixers.

If your resolution is to clear away some unwanted physical baggage or back away from people who impact your life negatively, do it in stages. For the physical clutter, sort it into manageable piles and purge it a little at a time. Send things to Goodwill or have a garage sale or put things on eBay and make some extra money.

Purging people from your world can be a bit more difficult. Try to surround yourself with those who bring positive energy to your life. If you tend to be someone who feels the need to rescue friends who can't seem to get out of their own way, learn to say no or make yourself less available. Chances are, if you are spending all of your time helping others fix their dysfunctional lives, yours is suffering as well.

Planning on that big weight loss this year? Take small steps towards being a big loser. When you go shopping, park farther from the entrance to the store. Take the stairs whenever you can, rather than waiting on the elevator - you'll burn some calories and save time.

If you tend to eat too much, supply your home and work spaces with fewer problem items like sweets and junk food. Restricting easy access to these things can, at the very least, delay the gratification and save money.

Unfortunately, there is no easy resolution to any major life alteration. But, tackling those issues in more manageable quantities can help increase your chances for success. Have a Happy New Year and good luck in 2011.

Author Gery L. Deer is a freelance writer based in Jamestown, OH. More at www.gerydeer.com.