Those Revolving New Year Resolutions

Alas, it is 2011. It is the start of a new year, a new cycle of months, a new beginning per say, and that chance to finally begin all those amazing resolutions you planned to start on January 1st. You know, those goals you set a month, or two, or three ago, that you were perfectly capable of starting at that time, but thought it would be more successful to put off the endeavor until the first of the new year since it is always easier to start on the number one, right? What makes us set new year resolutions? What makes us get ready for that new gym membership (that usually lasts only a few months), or learn something new, or simply just set a goal so unequivocally high, we quit before we really start? Sadly, some people even set family values as a new year resolution. For example, they'd like to be a better spouse, parent, son/daughter, etc. (Personally, family value goals should be a HERE AND NOW GOAL!) Not to say that is a bad goal, but the question, again, is why do we WAIT until the first of the new year to set goals. Do we need to have that perfect schedule to go by? On average, about 70-80% of people who set new year resolutions never keep to them. They becoming and endless revolving cycle of starting the same goals at the beginning of every year, and giving in around the same time of every year.

Here's a fine tip to anyone wishing to reach those goals in life. Think, think, think, think, think about them first. Make them simple, manageable, and then gradually more complex. If you want to lose weight/get in shape, don't plan on gaining that TV star/supermodel body right away. Remember, such people have personal trainers and hours upon end that they do each day for such bodies. For example, most people want beach bodies by Spring Break. So what happens after Spring Break? No more staying in shape/healthy most of the time. And it begins again the next year. You can get to your goal to if you just build upon it gradually, but make it an automatic part of your life.

But here's the best tip probably. DON'T MAKE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS! Make it a today/here/now resolution. Make it a lifestyle resolution. Don't make it a "I'm starting on January 1st because I need it by such and such date" resolution. I guarantee you're only fooling yourself.

Everyone should have goals in life. Just make sure you goals are attainable and manageable. Happy New Year!