Reliv International : Three Solutions to Bummer Resolutions

By Copywriter Dena Molen

Most New Year's resolutions don't make it to Super Bowl Sunday. Why is that? Answering this question and breaking down the challenges associated with keeping New Year's resolutions can actually serve as a strategy for sticking to your goals, no matter what time of year you implement them.

1. Problem: New Year's resolutions are usually more subject than objective. For example, 'I'm going to get fit and eat healthier,' is not specific enough. Broad goals like this are tough to measure.

Fact: Goals that are measurable and specific are much more attainable.

ReSolution: Instead of looking to an entire year to achieve your goals, break it down into weeks. Then, make your 'goal statement' measurable: 'Beginning (insert date) until (insert date), I will go to the gym twice a week,' or 'For the next three weeks, I will get my daily steps in using my fitness tracker.'

1. Problem: New Year's resolutions tend to be more of a 'wish' than an 'action.'

Fact: People who clearly describe their goals in the written form and create vision boards (pictures, images or drawings) are 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to reach their goals. The physical act of writing down your goals helps with long term memory and creates a lasting imprint along your cognitive network.

ReSolution: Use the S.M.A.R.T. goal-writing system and paste magazine clippings, images, photos, or drawings next to each goal. These tactile strategies work wonders on the brain and goal success.

1. Problem: January resolution timing is just plain awful! Really, right after the holidays and in the dead of winter? We're exhausted mentally, physically, and financially! And we're still recovering from the fun of New Year's Eve! Let's face it: It's not the most conducive time to make that 'mindset shift' which is at the core of every personal commitment.

Fact: February is a better time to join a gym than January!

ReSolution: Start small and don't start January 1st. Give yourself time to recover from the stress of the holidays. Then, once you've mapped out your goals, think about when you can realistically make an internal shift to better focus on those incremental, daily changes. Once you see small victories, you'll be much more likely to conquer the big ones!

How are you going to reconstruct your New Year's resolutions to make them work this year? Comment below!