How to Succeed with New Year's Resolutions

Every year millions of people make resolutions but very few succeed in long term change, read how you can increase your odds...

Planning for change is like much like my planning to write and article; I usually start with a list. In writing we call it brain storming. Make a list of the things you would like to change. Do you want a better relationship, to improve your fiances, lose some weight or find a new job? Go ahead and list all the possibilities. You can make your goals general at this point. For instance, they might include quit smoking, or be more organized.

Next, examine which ones are realistic. For example, I am interested in Quantum Physics, but it's not realistic for me to write about it without doing much more research. It would not be realistic for me to write an article on legal advice or medical advice. Decide which of your goals are realistic. Chances are you are not going to loose 100 pounds for that June Wedding dress without surgery, and you are not likely to double your pay check with just one job change, or promotion.

Next examine the motivation. Is it intrinsic or extrinsic? Intrinsic motivation is internal. This is something you really desire and are willing to exert the necessary energy to achieve. This is something for which you are willing to delay gratification in order to achieve. I think this is a place that some may people fall short. Yes, I want a college degree, but I am not will to give up the time hanging out with my friends to do it. Yes, I want a much different job, but I may not be willing to give up secure pay check at this time. And, you know what? That's okay. Nothing here is carved in granite and you can still explore. In a class on Mater Mind I discovered that just writing goals down had a benefit. Years later I pulled out the journal and 50 percents of those things on the list were checked off.

One of the questions I ask is "am I writing is it for my please and entertainment or is it for payment? " It is always easier to write for my own pleasure. When I have to consider the expectations it becomes more challenging. There are often more restrictions and less immediate gratification.