What Does it Take to Keep New Year Resolutions?

In order to make a change there must be a realization that there is a problem or behavior/health change that needs to occur. What is your resolution? Spend more time with my family, quit smoking, lose weight, change jobs, get a second job, get more organized... the list goes on and on.

Sometimes the most difficult step is the first step because it is recognizing that a change needs to take place. In order for a behavior change to occur, a person must be motivated. People can be motivated by their own feelings to change or they can be motivated by others around them such as spouses and children. Although it is possible for a person to change because others want you to, you will be more successful if you are making the change because you want to.

Try envisioning doing the new behavior, this is a positive step in making a behavior change. Once the decision is made to make a lifestyle change, it is time to act on the change. Behavior changes don't happen overnight or in a week or even a month. Behavior change takes time.

Make goals specific. Include a time factor and specific tasks that need to be achieved. Make goals realistic. Unrealistic goals will make you frustrated and then you may give up. Make a stepping stone for each goal. There may be many steps for each goal.

Provide yourself rewards along the way when going from step-to-step .To help your self stay motivate offer yourself incentives for example if you sty on your diet and you lose five pounds go to a movie,or do some other fun activity

Over time the behavior will change, but challenges will occur. It is not uncommon to go back to the old behavior. It is important to remember that even if you make a mistake it doesn't necessarily mean that all of your work to change the behavior is wasted. Sometimes you may feel discouragement, resentment, and resistance. The key to getting back on track is to remember that as humans we all make mistakes. Try not to dwell on mistakes. Look for "warning signals" of the negative behavior and look for ways to prevent this from happening again in the future.

You can learn how to continue the behavior change for an extended period of time. After a while the "new behavior" will become a habit. In order to continue their behavior over time it is necessary to look at small changes as positive points. Remember: Small changes lead to bigger changes.

This can be the year you take that risk, make that big or small change. That's the best part of News Year's Resolutions!