6 Ways to Make Your 2015 Resolutions Stick

Don't Overcommit One of the common mistakes people make at the start of the year is to let the excitement of a new calendar force them into multiple resolutions. Having more than one is not a bad idea if you know yourself and know what you can handle. Some resolutions, around weight loss in particular, require more than one change. To lose weight is about shopping differently at the grocery store, finding time to exercise and making proper decisions on food choices. It’s a lifestyle change that is not to be taken lightly. Adding to it could compromise success. Smarten Up Generate resolutions that require small acts, not lengthy periods of time. For example, if your goal is to decrease your sugar intake, create the goal of cutting back on a per week basis instead of over six months. Replenish Self-Control Florida State University researchers indicate that orange juice and lemonade can replenish your self-control when you feel yourself teetering. The brain relies almost exclusively on glucose for energy, so it has to be the real thing. Artificially sweetened drinks do not serve the purpose. Avoid Absolutes Saying you’ll give up sweets altogether is so dramatic and quite difficult. So, it’s better to revise that sentiment to having sweets just three times a week or ingesting desserts only at fancy restaurants. That’s much more feasible and helps build confidence to keep going. Have a Good Memory If/when the time comes that you fall short or deviate from your resolutions, recall times when you were successful. Reinforce that you can do what you set out to do. Confidence is the engine that keeps you going, even after a setback. Use Visuals Ever seen the home of someone who worked for Amway? They post photos of items — homes, cars, boats — they hope to acquire through their work. When looking to achieve New Year’s resolutions, it could be helpful to post images or write down goals. Seeing is believing.

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