Sticking to the New Year and stop living in 2011.

The New Year is so often associated with change and having resolutions to work towards. However, it can be hard to stick with our resolutions and then it becomes easier to give up.

One thing to remember is that change does not happen overnight so do not be disappointed or give up if you have a few mishaps or lose track of your goal for a second. It is okay if you have that extra piece of chocolate cake or you miss your daily run, it is not a failure, simply a learning curve.

A good way to keep your New Year’s resolutions is to actually sit down and think about what you want to achieve in a years’ time. Be reasonable with it! – do not set unlikely expectations like become a billionaire as that is not likely to be a year goal (although we would like to think so).

It is also a step process; so when coming up with a resolution, set it out in a step-by-step design. Keep your steps simple and achievable. For example if you are wanting to get active and improve your diet start by purchasing a yoga dvd and start with that 2-3 times a week then slowly work towards doing a little every day. Or start your diet with a daily breakfast, a salad for lunch, and limiting your coffee addiction to only twice a week. Once you become comfortable with a small step it becomes easier to work towards getting up earlier, having a proper routine and cutting out caffeine altogether.

Don’t make your goals too vague. If you want to save more money, then have something to work towards. For example, you may be saving up for a overseas holiday so start a separate holiday account to transfer $50 a fortnight and more every now and then again. Or have a set dollar amount that you work toward the whole year.  

Or your goal could be simply limiting your unnecessary spending. For me I have a lot of half used beauty products so if I have a product already then I will use that before buying any more new products. Currently, I have about 4-5 mascaras going at the one time so I will be finishing them all off before I buy any more mascaras.

The fireworks at South Bank, Brisbane.

Having a goal in the New Year is a great way to encourage personal growth and change. But remember if you are not honest with your behaviour then you are only lying to yourself. Also, just because it may be called a New Year’s resolution there is no reason why you cannot start a change at any time within the New Year so sit down and really think about what you want to achieve.

I also found that writing it all down is a good way to stick that idea in your mind and also then you can bring that paper out at any time to re-evaluate your status and get back on track.

So to all those people who have made New Year’s resolutions, good luck and keep at it!

Did anyone actually make a goal for the New Year?