Tips on keeping New Year’s resolutions
PHOTO BY EREN LI
The new year seems like a good time to make some changes. That’s why we often start it with a resolution or two. But following through on promises to ourselves can be tough, states Geoff Peckman at www.queerforty.com.
Here are Peckman’s suggestions on how to stick to your resolutions.
FOCUS
Some common resolutions are: exercise more, eat healthier, save money or lose weight. Imagine the pressure if you tried to accomplish all of these goals. Instead, pick one behavior you’d like to change and focus on that. This helps make keeping a resolution less overwhelming.
SIMPLIFY
Start with something simple. If your goal is to drink more water, try drinking 4 glasses a day instead of going for a gallon. You want to make your goal achievable.
SPECIFY
Some resolutions may need specific guidelines. For example, if you want to save money, select a specific amount to save. Perhaps start with $10 a week.
SHARE
Let those close to you know what you’re trying to accomplish. They can help encourage you and keep you accountable. Say you’re trying to lose weight after 40 and you pick grilled chicken over fried chicken, it would be supportive to hear your friend say, “That’s a great choice!”
DON’T WORRY
We’re human and we all slip up from time to time. Don’t beat yourself up if you skip a day or you don’t complete your goal. Just get back on track. Say your plan is to walk 1 mile a day and you get too busy to walk one day. Get back to it the next day. And if you feel you can do it, walk an extra mile!
TREAT YOURSELF
No matter your resolution, remember to be good to yourself. If you’re trying to give up cigarettes, find a positive way to reward yourself as you cut down on smoking. Psychologists have found that when we reward ourselves for doing something, we’re much more likely to do it again.
