Be One Of The 8% Who Keeps Their Resolution

Above is a list of the top ten New Year's resolutions.  Number one is to "lose weight" and number two is to "get organized".

For years my resolution was to lose weight and after failing at that so many times I decided that I would try and get organized instead.  But it got me wondering, why is it that these two things are numbers one and two each and every year?  It could be because only 8% of people actually stick to their resolution for the entire year.  Many don't even last the first month!

If you think about it, losing weight and getting organized are kind of similar.  They both require discipline, motivation and certain lifestyle changes in order to make them happen.  They also have a tendency to elicit unrealistic expectations (I am going to look like Cindy Crawford when I'm done or my house is going to look like Martha Stewart lives here.)  And if results cannot be seen immediately people become frustrated and quite often give up.

Another problem with these two resolutions is that they are too vague.  A goal must be specific, time-limited, actionable, measurable and reasonable.  How will you know when you've lost enough weight or when you are organized enough?

Drastic lifestyle changes almost never work.  Instead of making a New Year's resolution try making a New Week resolution.  Every Monday make one small change that will help you accomplish your goal. For instance, if your resolution is to lose weight try committing to drinking 2 extra glasses of water each day.  At the end of the week you would continue with that habit and then add another like exercising for 15 minutes each day.

If your resolution is to get more organized then make the commitment to putting your purse away every day instead of leaving it on the kitchen table.  Try that for a week and then add in 15 minutes of decluttering every day.  Keep the changes small and each of these small accomplishments will add up to huge rewards at the end of the year.

Don't forget to evaluate how you did at the end of the week.  Did you only put your purse away twice?  Why?  Perhaps the closet is too far away from the entrance.  Maybe you need to place a hook closer to the door.  Was drinking that water too difficult because you hate the way water tastes?  Try adding some lemon or a little fruit juice to make it go down easier.  Maybe the goal was too big and only adding one glass of water a day is more doable.

Please don't think that you failed when you find that you did not accomplish the goal you set out for the week!  Think of it as a learning experience.  Ask yourself why it didn't work and try to come up with a solution.

"It's not about perfect.  It's about effort.  When you bring that effort every single day that's where transformation happens.  That's how change occurs." - Jillian Michaels

Did you make any New Year's resolutions?

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