Tips for Keeping New Years' Resolutions
In 2008, you want to make changes that lead to personal and professional success. You may want to practice better time management, inspire your team toward greater productivity, speak up at meetings or learn to listen. And, of course, you want to organize those files, right?
No matter how stubborn some habits seem to be, you can increase your effectiveness and change your old patterns and develop new ones. The first and most important rule is to keep everything in perspective.
Try again. Most of us have made, and broken, countless resolutions. That doesn't mean you won't meet success this year. Leave a negative attitude behind, and take a moment to reflect upon what blocked your good intentions in the past. This will offer you the positive outlook you need to make a change.
Focus on realistic goals that you can measure. Your resolution may be to lose 50 pounds, change the world, or improve your communication skills. These are all fine goals, but you stand a better chance at achieving them if you break each resolution into small, manageable parts. For the resolutions above, small steps might be 1) take five pounds off by Valentine's Day, 2) write two letters to an elected officials, and 3) practice no interruptions at the next three staff meetings.
Get started immediately. Actions, no matter how small, provide needed momentum. If professional development is a resolution, take 10 minutes to seek out a seminar or course that interests you. If getting organized is critical, buy file folders and labels today, and take 15 minutes tomorrow to toss or file the egregious pile on your desk or floor.
Don't try to tackle too much. You stand a better chance of making lasting changes if you choose one or two resolutions, rather than too many. Look for ways to put this new behavior into practice. Practice consistently and remind yourself regularly why you see this goal as personally important.
Write your plan down and keep it visible. Make a plan on what you are going to accomplish in this next three months, and then keep track of your progress. Display your plan where you will see it regularly— in your planner or on your home mirror.
Forgive yourself. If you find you haven't met your expectation for progress, don't think you have failed. Resolutions are not win-lose or all-or-nothing propositions. Review your plan and adjust accordingly.
Celebrate! When you succeed with a small step in achieving your New Year Resolution, reward yourself. It will help you to keep up a positive attitude.
You're on the way to real changes. Congratulations!