New year resolutions that stick

Not to burst your bubble but statistics do not lie:  the likelihood you will not accomplish your New Year resolutions are very high.  So, why do we go through the yearly ritual of listing what we want to do, share it with others and then do not follow through?

Because of two reasons: 1) we are creatures of habit; and 2) we overestimate our ability to change. 

Yes, we love to do what is familiar to us.  It makes us feel comfortable and in control.  So, if for the past several years we've been eating a whole bagel with cream cheese with a large coffee with 3 packets of sugar every morning and our resolution is to lose weight, it is going to be tough. Notice that I said tough not impossible.  This is where our belief that we can conquer and squash this eating habit kicks in.  We cannot accept that a bagel and cream cheese have such an influence over us.  We prefer to think that our will power can transform our eating habits just because we say so.

How can we increase the chance that we will accomplish our resolutions?  Let me offer a few suggestions.

• Become aware that what you are looking to achieve means changing your mindset and  lifestyle.  It is the same for those who are looking to lose weight, find a job, start a relationship. 
• Focus on one resolution at a time.  The greatest mistake most make is to write a list of many resolutions (i.e. swim with dolphins, do the Inca trail, save $500 a month, run the marathon) that are complex, require resources and focus, and at times, compete with each other.  How are you going to spend time swimming with dolphins, and do the Inca trail when you also want to save money?
• Enlist the help of others.  Find a friend, colleague that has similar goals so you can support each other.
• Visualize the outcome.  This is a popular method used by professional athletes and other high achieving performers.  Before you start, close your eyes and see yourself where you want to be.  See yourself 30 lbs thinner, or crossing the finish line of the marathon, or receiving confirmation of a job offer.  Spend time observing how this 'new' person is behaving, her posture, what she did the day before.  The idea is to backtrack from the day when the goal happens to where you are now and figure out the steps that got you there.

The most important piece of advice I can give you is to have fun during the journey.  Help yourself accomplish your goal one day at a time and you will get there!

If you liked this post, you might also like:
Why you need to go to college
Proactive career management 101
How to land a job in this difficult economy