Resolutions 101 - 10 Tips to Keep Your 2010 New Year's Resolutions

With the end of 2009 fast approaching we reflect on the year, for some of us this may be a bit depressing as we realize that the New Year's resolutions that we made on January 1, 2009 and so many other January 1^st only lasted a month or so. Now we find our self wondering why should we set new ones if we are just going to break them too. Besides why do we feel like we need to my New Year's resolutions any way?

With the ending of this year and the promises of a New Year we feel we have to wipe the slate clean and have a fresh start to match the New Year. That is why we feel the need to make resolutions.

Now for keeping the New Year's resolutions, we need to look at the meaning of resolution so we will have a clear understanding of what we are doing before we do it.
The American Herirate Dictionary defines resolution in the manner:
1) The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.
2) A course of action determined or decided on.

Now let's break down the first meanings - firm determination what does determination mean - the act of making or arriving at a decision. Now let's look at - course of action - a means available to the decision maker by which the objectivity may be obtained. Usually consider several possibilities for a course direction.

Knowing the meaning of resolution, we can start formulating an outline based on what we would like to change in the coming year. Because we are going to have a clear plan of action with a backup plan if we need it.

So far so good we have our plane and our back up plane now all we need is how not to break our planes.

Here are some of the tricks I use when I set my New Year's Resolution

1. Set realistic resolution - You cannot win a triathlon if you cannot walk around the block.

2. Stand up for your resolution - Get excited for your resolution let people know what your resolutions are. Don't make resolutions that you think others want you to make.

3. Just like a baby learning to walk you are learning how to do something different - take baby steps. Break your resolution down to easy steps so you can have victory along the way of achieving your resolution. Give yourself dates when each stop should be completed.

4. Put your resolution in writing, heck take it to the next step make copies of your resolution keep a copy in your desk, in your bedroom, in your purse or briefcase.

5. Now that you have it broken it down with a time line and put it in writing, call your girl friend, ask her for a cup of tea and tell her all about it, giving her a copy will help her be your cheer squad.

6. Rewards -rewards yes you heard me right rewards, when you meet one of your goals do something nice for yourself. Go get your nails down, take a bubble bath. Don't get to share with your girlfriend when you reach one of your goals.

7. Get organized - find time each day to check in with yourself and your resolution in order to keep track of yourself and your goals.

8. If you have a bike wreck don't through the bike away, touch it up and brush yourself off. Resolution are goal, if you slip pick up where you left off at and get back into the grove.

9. Get a team - find other people from work, church, clubs and the gym that have made resolutions close to yours because there is power in a team.

10. Be your own best friend - Make sure you are taking good care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, good nutrition and regular exercise.

Best luck with your New Year's Resolutions!