New Years Resolutions

It's the time of year that we seem compelled to change our lives, lose weight, go to the gym, read books, get a new job, drink water, be confident etc etc etc. However it is predicted that most of the resolutions will be broken by the end of January. Why is this?

It's a cliche but people don't plan to fail they fail to plan. I will go to the gym is a really woolly statement, not really giving any indication of how to measure of achieve the outcome. I will go to the gym 3 times a week after work is both measurable and achievable.

Some people just set to many or totally unrealistic goals. I will lose 2 stone by the end of the month. There is no chance of doing this, or not safely anyhow. However I will lose 2 lb a week is achievable in the long term and safe. Setting lots of goals can be really overwhelming and unachievable, set a small number of specific goals once these have been achieved increase the goals to work on other areas.

Planning what to do when things go wrong is so often missed. We all have our ups and downs. If you get flu you'll not be able to go to the gym for a few days and may need to build up slowly, or you may be invited to a party and eat and drink more than you would on your diet. Does this mean you are not on a diet anymore. I think one of the most crucial elements of sticking to your resolution is to decide how you will manage if things go wrong. Try not to get into punishing yourself. I missed the gym so I will do double... How mental is that? If you get out of your habit set a date to start again and congratulate yourself for starting again rather than beating yourself up for letting things slip.

Best of luck for 2009, may all your goals be achieved!