4 Simple Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Have you ever made a list of really cool New Year’s resolutions only to suffer from total amnesia within weeks? Let’s face it. It’s mid-January and many of us have already clean forgotten the promises we made to ourselves on the first. Statements like no more drinking, being happier or losing weight. Sound familiar? Take my grandiose declaration, for instance, “I resolve to be more patient.” Well, that lasted a whole day and half. Yep, big resolutions tend to crash and burn quicker than it takes to say mashed potatoes.

So what’s the secret?

Montreal career coach Sandra Chéry says the key to establishing and maintaining realistic goals is by identifying one’s inner source of motivation. In other words, we need to ask ourselves: what do I really want in 2016? Once you know what it is you want to accomplish, you’re more likely to continue doing it.

Here are some helpful hints to figure out what’s worthy of your time and dedication in the New Year:

Dream a Little…

Find yourself a cozy spot, prop up your feet, close your eyes and… dream. Daydreaming about your ideal self, career, relationship or family life clears the clutter and
gets your brain in sync with your inner motivation.

Determine What’s Important

As your mind wanders, reflect upon your core values. What’s important to you? Do you want to feel better about yourself? Do you want greater challenge in your career? Do you want to spend more time with friends and family? Determining what’s important will ultimately guide you in making realistic resolutions.

Record Your Resolutions

Committing something to paper makes it real. Write down your resolutions using positive terms and break them down into small, manageable objectives. Your resolutions become far more realistic.

Get Yourself a Resolution Buddy

Once you’ve committed your resolutions to paper, share them with someone you trust—friend, spouse or partner—who will hold you accountable. Peer pressure tends to make one commit.

As a last resort, try my fail-proof idea and look to the movies for a little inspiration: make your resolution sound like a movie title! There’s nothing like a snappy resolution with a sexy ring to motivate a girl. Case in point, resolving to do more yoga in the coming year, I turned to the movie marquee and declared my resolution in 2016 to be… “Star Pose: The Yogi Awakens.”

Now, isn’t this way more fun to share over dinner with friends?

Happy New Year everyone!