So You Want to Stick to Your New Years Resolutions?

Did you know that the number one New Years Resolution of Americans is to lose weight? How many times have you made a list of resolutions for the New Year and within a matter of days broke your promise to yourself? I don't know about you, but I know I have. In fact I have probably never stuck to a New Years resolution. Well some of them I have. I even quit making New Years resolutions for a while. Why do something you won't stick to?

Here is how, and here is how not to.

Number one, don't set yourself up for failure. Don't make a list of a hundred things that you are going to stop doing, or to start doing. It is overwhelming and not realistic.

Number two, really think about what you seriously want to give up or start. For instance, I wanted to start being more positive. I wanted to start resting more. I am workaholic. This is a trait that most people really admire. It sounds good, unfortunately it isn't good for your health. It is also rather egotistical. I know that if I die tonight, the world will actually continue to go on. You wouldn't think so the way I have to do so much, all by myself! I would hope people would grieve over me, but I know that they actually would continue living and loving without me here. It's not very flattering, but it is true, contrary to my ego.

Make one resolution that you really want to keep. Let's just say that you really want to quit smoking. You have tried before but couldn't. Find someone or a group that will support you through it. Go to a doctor and get help medically. Maybe a patch or nicotine gum will help you. Find a replacement for the smoking. For me it was sucking on hard candy for about a year. My mouth got sore, and I had to have dental work, but if I would have used sugar free it wouldn't have been as bad and I felt so good about doing it.