New Year Resolutions: Sticking to them.



New year resolutions are becoming a yearly ritual. Most times, many of us just join the frenzy of writing down goals for the new year only to discover at the end of the that we are still stuck where we started the year from. In fact, we barely achieve even one of the thirty points agenda we penned down. We now carry it over to the next year and the next till we eventually get tired and embrace the status quo.
Every year, we increase in age but sadly most people don’t increase in experience and are still invariably the same people they were four years ago. Resolutions are good if stuck and if it makes us better persons. This article gives 5 simple ways to achieve your resolutions at the end of the year.

It’s in your head: “Whether you think you can, or you can’t, you’re right.” ~ Henry Ford. This quote shows how attitude influences our life. The power to stick to and achieve your resolutions or to carry them over to next year is within you. The human brain is such a wonderful organ and our thoughts process affects our belief system which influences our action. Therefore, you can achieve your resolutions if you think you can. The power of positive thinking has been emphasized on so much. The fact is that we all think about something, it is part of our human construct, so why not think positively.

Your resolutions should follow the S.M.A.R.T. plan: Having a positive mindset is not enough to achieve your resolutions, you need a plan. A SMART plan. Building castles in the air will not bring your resolutions true. You have to outline your goals and the plan or steps needed to achieve them.

Set targets and reward yourself: A yearly time plan might be too long to control and becomes tiring. To avoid such, set short term achievable that conforms with the resolution. It might be weekly, monthly or quarterly. This helps keep you and check and monitor you progress. When you achieve your short plans, reward yourself with something pleasing to you. It helps stimulate your brain and prepare you for the next phase.

Don’t give up: It definitely won’t be rosy at all times. But when you hit rock bottom, remember why you started and keep on striving to achieve it. Even though it looks like it’s not feasible, it is not over yet. If eventually it doesn’t work out this year, appraise the situation, know where you went wrong and try again better and more experienced next year.

Pray: I am sure prayer is a part of every religion. So whatever the religion you belong to, commit your resolutions to God. Anything put into his hands is safe and He sure will help you achieve it.