So Your New Year's Resolution Isn't Going so Well?

Most of us make very ambitious resolution. That ball is dropping, the old year is coming to an end and the new one is about to be born. We are all in high spirits and are expecting great things for the coming New Year. So we make some great New Year's Resolutions. We are going to work out every day, lose thirty pounds, get out of debt, and save the world. So the last one is a bit over reaching, but you get my point. We have wonderful goals, but how in the world do we expect to reach them?

We are making these great New Year's Resolutions, with the best of intentions. Studies have shown though that not many people actually see through their resolutions. Why is this? Well I am going to give you my theory. Now it has nothing to do with scientific studies, or statistics I have read. It has to do with my personal experience with my own failed attempts at making New Year's Resolutions. With this being said maybe I can help myself along the road to actually see one of my New Year's Resolutions through to their lofty goals!

One of the favorite New Year's Resolutions was probably to lose weight. I know it was one of mine. I would like to lose thirty pounds by the first of May. Will I make this goal? Hard telling, but if you go by my past experience then no. And that brings me to my first point. What is that you may ask? I have already defeated my New Year's Resolution. I am saying to myself, "You have never had one work before, why should this New Year's Resolution be any different?" It is this kind of defeatist attitude that kicks so many of us to the curb with our well laid out plans. We must start and end with positive attitudes. This means even if we do slip up, that we need to get right back in there. Slipping up once or twice does not mean our New Year's Resolution, or we, are failures. It only means we are human and must keep trying, until we reach that goal!

Another lofty goal and New Year's Resolution is to be more organized. If you could see my kitchen and closets you would understand why this is a very real problem with me. It seems that every time I get them organized something, or someone comes along and they are once again a mess. And here again we see the dilemma. In truth, I may see this New Year's Resolution to the begin stage. My closet, my kitchen and even my desk may become organized and very workable, but then after a few weeks it looks once again like it did on New Year's Eve, an utter disaster. Why? Well they say that it takes thirty days to make a habit. Yes I did become more organized for a day, but it is something that we must keep with. There are no easy buttons here, it involves a bit of work and lots of commitment. At first we do that. The New Year's Resolution is fresh in our minds and our home/office looks great, then life steps in. It is then easier to revert to old habits and clutter and chaos ensue.

Oh and here is an old time favorite. This year I am going to get out of debt. I know a lot of us have said this one, huh? And then reality and life steps in. Johnny needs braces, Suzie needs stuff for a school project, and hubby has volunteered you to make a fancy dish for that pot luck. All of this adds up to money. And pretty soon you are like, "Well that was a nice New Year's Resolution, for as long as it lasted." This is where we need a bit of planning. This is not a goal that we can achieve over night by the seat of your pants.

So I have given you three examples of New Year's Resolutions. I have also given you, in my opinion, why they fail. So? What should we do now? It is a week or so into the New Year. You're starting to think that maybe those New Year's Resolutions were nice a noble but no way are you going to be able to keep them, so you are waving the white towel in the air. STOP!!! You can do this! Just because your goals are not instantaneous does not mean you need to give up! Here are the three things I want you to get from my ramblings on New Year's Resolutions.

#3 Plan to achieve! That's right. Plan it and act like you have already done it! But make a plan. Life goes no where you want it to go if you don't have a plan!

#2 Make it a habit. Take time every day, if it is the first thing in the morning or the last thing at night, spend time with that New Year's Resolution, or any goal you may have set.

#1 Don't give up! You are not a failure. You just need to keep trying. Get yourself a buddy with similar goals and New Year's Resolutions. But no matter what don't stop trying. Even if it is August and you have yet to even start you can still do it. Keep trying!

You can do it. I have faith in you, and I actually have faith in myself to meet my goals this year! My New Year's Resolutions are just what you see above, and one more to finish a year of college credits. Maybe I will become accountable to you to see if I meet my goals! Another good idea huh? Become accountable for your New Year's Resolutions to someone!