4 Ways To Make Your Resolutions Stick

Shortly after Thanksgiving while anticipating Christmas, we begin to percolate New Year’s resolutions, priming ourselves to make them happen. As we spend money on gifts, food, decorations and fashion while we eat mucho calories, we are eager for that fresh start, the new beginning. Yet predictably a couple of weeks into January, for many of us the momentum slows to a screeching halt. What can we do differently this year? According to researcher Julia Bayuk from the University of Delaware, many of us are focusing on the detailed plan, the how to achieve these goals, instead of the loose, more abstract why do I want to achieve this goal?

Bayuk explains, “Planning can actually make you more narrow-minded. I might be so focused on this plan that when there are other opportunities to achieve the same goal, I might not take advantage of them.”

In my own stress-management work I have found that making a resolution stick correlates highly to this goal truly resonating for you – not your family, friends, colleagues or the community. If a resolution is something you want for yourself, you will achieve it without elaborate, detailed plans. You just do it because it becomes a non-negotiable. Soon you become open to opportunities and detours. Rigid steps can make you inflexible like an all or nothing mindset.

This year skip the elaborate plans along with the specific numbers like how much weight you will lose or how much money you will save each week. Instead focus on continuous inspiration:

* Pay attention to your dreams – both sleeping and wake. Can you decode the symbols to figure out your secret longings? Are your goals aligned with what you really want?

* Keep motivation high. As a screen saver or on top of your desk and other key locations, put up photos, or images which visualize your goals. You will be sending yourself subliminal messages.

* Find your song and listen to it daily while you keep repeating positive thoughts in your head; it’s like getting into a positive loop instead of a worry loop. Music is a great persuader, a great catalyst; your mind can envision the rest.

* Change your life story where you perceive yourself as flawed or inadequate. Accept your self to build on strengths; accomplish without any external validation.