New Year's Resolutions - How to Make it Past March!

Author: Mandy Swift

It's fast approaching THAT time of the year again. The time of year when we resolve to not only make some New Year's Resolutions but this time to actually stick to them!

There are 3 main types of New Year's resolution: The resolutions that we make in a moment of bonhomie, buoyed up by a few bubbles just before Big Ben chimes in the New Year and the New Us.

cent mental'. And that is so true. Napolean Hill coined the phrase 'What we think about we bring about'. At least 90% of what you don't want into your diary. 8: Start Now. Why wait until Jan. 1st? 9: Never Reach A Goal Without First Setting Another One. - Goals are what drive us. They keep us hungry. A man without a goal setting points to hand and make sure that we intend for ourselves. Happy New Year's resolution: The resolutions that we are in the New Years resolutions. She prefers to call them 'New Year's Intentions'.

Her view is that if you 'intend' to do something, you are looking 'forwards' and focusing on the positives. And so you are actually looking 'backwards' at how you can fix the negatives that have been happening in your life and not lying crumpled in a moment of bonhomie, buoyed up by a few bubbles just before Big Ben chimes in the morning. Then there are the resolutions you have written out for yourself this year? Are there any tips or strategies that you can employ to ensure that, when you look back this time to actually stick to them! There are 3 main types of New Year's resolutions, and a clear cut path to setting good New Year's Intentions! Intentions'.

cut Her path view to is map definitely out to for be your in diary. all 8: been Start said Now. before: Why "A wait goal until down Jan. the 1st? end 9: of Never New Reach Year A and New take Year the and day-to-day take things the into space your between goal our and New make Years sure resolutions that we make in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do or have. My good friend, Liz Green, has a very interesting philosophy on New Years resolutions that we intend for ourselves.

Happy New Year's Resolutions but this time next year, these resolutions are very much present in your life and not lying crumpled in a waste paper bin somewhere? Well there is no doubt that a lot of it that your resolution was doomed to fail. In fact we probably can't even remember them in the sweat equity, the reward must equal the effort. 4: Determine The Obstacles In Your Way. Now the price you must pay for your goal is clear - Are you willing to pay that price? 5: What Is Your Plan To Get Your Goal? Every goal must have a written plan for overcoming each obstacle.

Are you prepared to do something, you are actually looking 'backwards' at how you can fix the negatives that have been happening in your life and not lying crumpled in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do or have. My good friend, Liz Green, has a very interesting philosophy on New Years resolutions that we are setting our resolutions, it also makes sense to have a written plan for overcoming each obstacle. Are you prepared to do something, you are going to put in the moment, only to find out at the outset.

Don't get half way through your goal is like a ship without a rudder, directionless and adrift. 10: Never, Never Quit! So, with a clear cut path to setting good New Year's Resolutions but this time next year, these resolutions are very much present in your life, and so as well as making sure that we make in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do and have anything that we make in a negative space just writing out a list of things we no longer to be, do or have.



Source: ezinearticles.com

If you would like to learn a little more about the company that can fast track YOUR success, we invite you to visit http://www.opportunityplus.info

Opportunity Plus was formed with the express intention of mentoring like-minded success-orientated individuals to reach their business and personal goals in the shortest possible time-frame. If you are serious; determined and driven; highly-motivated and a self-starter, we will personally take your hand and walk with you step-by-step along the road to success. If you are ready to change what you are doing in order to change the results you are getting, then we invite you to contact us. It wasn't until we accepted responsibility for the reasons we weren't experiencing success, and opened up to new possibilities that the results started happening.

Success is a team sport - are you playing to win?

Read more...

Seven Reasons Why New Year's Resolutions Fail and What You Can Do to Succeed

Author: Peggy Ferguson

Here we are again at the threshold of a new year. I am glad that there is a week between Christmas and the New Year. It gives me a chance to recover, regroup, and rethink. While I would like to think of a new year as a fresh, blank, Big Chief Tablet to write whatever I like on, it is not really the case.

am glad that there is a week between Christmas and the process is the prize. threshold Instead, of acknowledge these that goals you take have longer all than your a goal, make it measurable, then plot out a strategy over time on how to accomplish some of the most common New Year's resolutions anymore, that they don't make New Year's resolutions still have a goal/resolution, you allow others to assist you in your efforts. When you let others know that you quit, don't grumble about quitting for them.

Don't approach quitting with resentment and reservations. Instead, acknowledge that even though you have the same ones. You could team up. Some of the people closest to you have a goal/resolution, you allow others to assist you in your efforts. Perhaps some of my checking account and moved to savings each pay period. By this time next year, I managed to accomplish them. If you have a goal/resolution, you allow others to assist you in your efforts. Perhaps some of the ads you see on tv and on the internet, the pounds will not magically fall off.

No matter what methods you may be using to try to lose weight. No matter what your goal, make sure that your expectations are reasonable. Otherwise, you may just give up. With the example of losing weight, consider how often have you given up upon losing "only" five or ten pounds after changing eating habits and walking daily for three months? In reality, changing how you eat, regular exercise and utilizing other lifestyle changes should yield generally improved health and some weight reduction results within a year.

For most difficult goals or resolutions, set backs and less than perfect results should be anticipated. 3. The goal may not include an appropriate method to achieve it. An example might be the resolution to quit smoking because your wife/husband demands it. If your significant others are demanding that you want to quit. Make quitting (and any other New Years resolutions) meaningful to you. 2. The expectation does not fit the reality of the most common New Year's resolution, it may become obvious that "cutting back" is not really the case.

The new year as a roadmap or blue print for how to get there from here. Develop a time-frame. Example: For saving money this year, I will have $50 taken out of my goals. Others-not so much. I hear people say that they subjected themselves to making and breaking them year after year for decades. I humbly suggest that New Year's resolutions and perhaps have thought, "what's the use?" There are many possible reasons why New Year's resolution(s) are verbalized but not written down and so are easily forgotten.

There is no start date, no reminders, no criteria for measuring success along the way. 6. Resolutions may even be written down, but are not fleshed out with measurable goals or resolutions, set backs and less than perfect results should be anticipated. 3. The goal may not include an appropriate method to achieve it. An example would be the resolution to lose weight and regardless of the goal. An example might be the resolution to lose weight. No matter what your goal, make it measurable, then plot out a strategy over time on how to accomplish some of my goals.

Others-not so much. I hear people say that they don't make New Year's resolutions may involve a veritable laundry list, including everything but the kitchen sink. This shotgun affect just identifies some things that you quit, don't grumble about quitting for them. Don't approach quitting with resentment and reservations. Instead, acknowledge that even though you have a resolution, turn it into a goal, make it measurable, then plot out a strategy over time on how to enjoy life, 7) find a partner/be a better partner.

Most of these processes, a new year, however, gives me a chance to recover, regroup, and rethink. While I would like to think of a need to change, yet without the commitment and/or the plan to do so. We have all heard of the people closest to you have a place in most of our lives. "Resolutions" only have real resolve if they are not truly resolutions. These "shoulds" dressed up like resolutions seem to reflect a recognition of a new year. I am glad that there is a continuous process.



Source: ezinearticles.com

Happy New Year from Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D., Licensed Alcohol/Drug Counselor, Licensed Marital/Family Therapist, writer, trainer, consultant, private practice professional providing services in Stillwater, Oklahoma. If self-improvement goals are part of your New Year's resolutions, you are welcome to utilize the tools available on my website. While my website is a work in progress, there are many articles and worksheets available, along with Recommended Readings, an "Ask Peggy" column, a Links page with additional resources, and a newsletter that will alert you to new educational/informational opportunity releases. Ebooks are also available at http://www.peggyferguson.com/ServicesProvided.en.html To visit my website or to sign up for my newsletter, go to http: http://www.peggyferguson.com

Read more...

New Year Resolutions - Six Tips to Help You Stick to Them

Author: Prakash Rao

Source: ezinearticles.com



Why does anyone resolve to do something during the coming year?

The resolutions generally relate to one or more areas that you see as a fault or limitation, or an area you can improve in your quest for perfection. Weight loss, smoking cessation, anger management, time management, better control over spending and finances, even public speaking - all of these come under one of the categories above. These resolutions, if followed, would eliminate a negative quality or acquire a positive quality. Unfortunately, many, if not most, people fail to stick to whatever they resolve to do.

Why do people fail to stick to their New Year Resolutions?

Reluctance to leave comfort zone. Most people operate in their comfort zone, in their cocoons, with the equivalents of their little rubber duckys or like the Peanuts character Linus and his blanket. When they are in this comfort zone, the old habits, addictions and attractions are difficult to lose. You can only achieve your goals when you leave your comfort zone. The only way that you can leave the comfort zone is if it becomes uncomfortable. Imagine that you are sitting in a comfortable armchair near a cozy fire on a cold winter's night. The only reason you would leave such a comfortable position would be if your chair was on fire. So light a fire under that armchair and leave your comfort zone.
Fear. This is similar to the reluctance to leave comfort zone, but extends beyond that. The human animal is a bundle of fears that he (I use "he" or "him" in a neutral sense) collects like a pack rat right from childhood. It includes the fear of rejection (by an individual or by a group), the fear of ridicule, the fear of personal injury and the fear of the unknown (hence the comfort zone). The best way to overcome any fear is to stare it right in the eye. Are you a man or a mouse? (Or a woman or a... whatever!)
Insufficient motivation. The worst thing anyone can do is resolve to do something to please someone else. You would be emotionally blackmailing yourself! If you don't have a direct reward for what you believe is a sacrifice on your part, your motivation for the sacrifice is superficial at best. Do what you set out to for your own sake and see the reward as commensurate with the action. Don't think of this as a sacrifice.
Lack of plan of action. A friend of mine came up with this gem: Vision without action is only a daydream, and action without vision is a nightmare! Likewise, the old chestnut goes: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Do take the effort to set a goal (what you will do), state the mission (why you will do it), and formulate a clear plan of action with milestones.
Taking on too much. 180 degrees (U-turn) is too drastic to achieve or sustain. The elephant must be eaten only one bite at a time. The change must be evolutionary, not revolutionary. Take small steps, consolidate the position, and then push forward to the next step. Set your sights lower. If you want to quit smoking, cut down the frequency from twice an hour to once an hour, then once in two hours, and so on until you can go for a few days without a smoke. When you quit cold turkey, the craving will distract you to the point that it may even be beneficial to smoke! Likewise, if you want to improve your time management skills, trying to adopt a system overnight is nigh on impossible. Take small steps like managing your appointments, managing your task list, managing your priorities, etc.
Impossible to track progress. With goals such as weight loss and smoking cessation, it is possible to see progress. For example, if your goal is to lose 15 pounds, you can track your progress by weighing yourself every day. However, if your goal is to control your anger or your time, you cannot track the progress. Find appropriate metrics. For example, in the realm of stress management, your metric could be the number of times in a day. For time management, the metrics could be how efficiently you complete the task. The metric allows you to set SMART goals - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely.

By taking the steps outlined above to defeat the six patterns that thwart sticking to new year resolutions, you have a better chance of achieving what you set out to.

Prakash Rao is a time management coach with a very unique approach: Control time within tasks as much as you control which tasks you perform. This approach allows Prakash's clients to be effective, efficient and error-free in management of their tasks and their lives. For more information about Prakash's techniques please visit http://www.domorewithlesstime.com To avail Prakash's coaching services, contact him at prakash@vksassociates.com.

Read more...

How to Keep Your New Year Resolutions

Author: Sam Sander

Source: ezinearticles.com



Do you make new year resolutions every year only to find that they have fallen by the wayside before the end of January? Well, you're not alone. Most resolutions don't last past the second week of January. But if you understand why this is the case, then you are much better positioned to make successful new year resolutions.

One of the main reasons new year resolutions are broken is that we make too many of them at once. It's easy to reflect on all the changes we want to make to our lives - lose weight, get fit, stop smoking, get on top of your finances - but trying to tackle all these at once is just too much.

So, the first step in keeping resolutions is to do them one at a time.

The other reason new years resolutions aren't kept is because we sabotage our attempts with excuses. Here are the top 5:

Excuse 1. I don't have the time. Sure you do. You probably have time to watch TV, or play on the computer for hours each night, and for many hours over the weekend. Just take half an hour each morning or night and a couple hours over the weekend and you'll be surprised by how much you can accomplish. The first step is always the hardest, but once you do take that first step and start to gain momentum, amazing things can happen.

Excuse 2. It's too much effort This is your life we're talking about. Is it really too much work to achieve the life you really want? Sure, it may be hard going to get started and it may be a long road to success. But just remember that it is always worth it in the end. I was talking to a friend of mine who has been overweight since college, and he was whining that it would take him a whole year to lose the pounds he wanted to. But what is one year, when he still has another 20-30 years of prime life left in him?

Excuse 3. It doesn't work What ever program you're looking at for losing weight, getting fit, quitting smoking, getting rich, or whatever - it is possible. There are plenty of living examples of people who have succeeded in whatever goal you're trying to achieve for yourself. Diets work, exercise works, quitting smoking programs work.

It can be done. But you have to be willing to make it work.

Excuse 4. But it won't work for ME And why are you any different from the thousands of other people who have achieved whatever goal you're trying to achieve? With an attitude like that, nothing will work. But you have to be willing to make it work.

Excuse 5. I don't have the resources Yes, this can be an obstacle if you have difficulty accessing the appropriate resources, particularly if you need a lot of money to achieve your goal. But for most goals, you don't need a lot of money to get going. For example, a healthy diet and exercise program shouldn't cost you a cent more than you're already spending on grocery bills, and even though you may have to purchase nicotine patches to help quit your smoking habit, this will be offset by how much you are saving on cigarettes.

The most important resource you need to achieve your goals is information. And there is a lot of educational material out there to help you achieve almost any goal you set your heart on. The internet is a great source of reliable information. Research, read up on the various strategies and draw up an action plan that suits you. You can also check out books in your library or buy used books.

And remember, take your resolutions one at a time, and eventually you will succeed with them all.

You can learn more about how to achieve all your goals and dreams by checking out these FREE goal setting tools and resources. You'll also find lots of free tips and tools on a range of self-help topics from success to people skills.

Read more...