Make A Resolution That Lasts

A lot of people begin a new year with resolutions, normally all targeting self-improvement, such as, losing weight, eating healthier, exercising, etc., which are all good, definitely not bad things. There are others whose new year's resolutions may be about improving their spirituality, such as, reading through the Bible, praying regularly, fasting more often, attending church faithfully or maybe even finding a place of serving to help others grow in their Christian walk. All of these are definitely good things, both physical and spiritual. The sad thing is that most resolutions wain after January or February and so many find themselves making the same promises to 'do better' each year. Here are some helpful tips to going forward in life...

1) Make your goals realistic, something that is very doable. For instance, let's say you want to lose 30 lbs this year. Set a goal to lose 5 lbs. by March, then when you've lost the 5, set another target date to lose another 5. It is motivating to make progress, so baby steps accomplished are better than a monumental target that's not!

2) Chose a top 3 to shoot for! Select 3 of the most important things you need to improve in your life & target your determination on them instead of having an overwhelming list of 10 or more. When you've gotten those 3 in your 'done!' pile, then go ahead and select 3 more. Once again, accomplishing a little is better than a lot that's not!

3) Make improvement resolutions more than once a year. Don't wait 12 months before addressing things in your life that need to change, do it monthly! There's nothing different about January 1st from February 1st, or March 1st, or August 1st, etc., the point in case is to 'move forward'! The longer amount of time that you don't make a new start the more difficult it is, and the longer time you have to feel down about not accomplishing your goals.

4) Keep a journal concerning your goals and accomplishments. It can act as a personal accountability tool as well as an encouragement to not give up when you read it and see how far you have come. 

Here's to a GOOD Year ahead!!