Article by Fabafterfifty
I’m sure I’m not alone in making essentially the same New Year’s resolutions every year. ‘Lose weight’ and ‘get more exercise’ seem to come at the top of my list year in year out.
Research shows that most New Year’s resolutions fail by the end of the first week. Research also indicates that you have a greater chance of succeeding with your resolutions if you share with others that you are trying to make changes and ask friends and family for support.
According to wikipedia , A New Year’s resolution is ‘a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year’s Day’
Well this year I am doing things differently in the hope that a different approach will lead to different results- although I am not going to beat myself up over last year’s resolutions- I did partially succeed- losing some weight on the Dukan diet.
Breaking resolutions down into manageable chunks
So, this year I have decided to break my resolutions down into manageable chunks- be a bit more specific about each one, and not start them all at the same time!
My 4 main resolutions
1. Lose weight
2. Exercise more
3. Improve my French
4. Set up a new business (more of a goal than a resolution)
Week 1. I have decided to start with ‘improving my French’. I met my French husband in the UK- and we only ever speak English! I have asked him to speak to me only in French for at least half an hour a day.
Week 3. I shall start my fitness programme, beginning with a weekly Zumba class, and alternate days at home on wii-fit and exercising to a fitness DVD. Long walks on weekends when they can be fitted in ( and weather permitting.)
Also, complete business plan for new business venture and set timetable for new website to be completed .
Week 5. Toughen up on the diet. Return to the ‘attack ‘ phase of Dukan. Aim to be one size smaller by June!
I’m hoping that by committing my resolutions to paper, sharing them, and setting timescales and actions they will be easier to stick to than my vague resolutions of previous years.
I‘ll let you know how I get on, although any hints and tips are more than welcome! What have you found the best way to stick to your New Year resolutions?
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