So, 2012 offers a new chance to eat better foods, exercise, or quit a bad habit. But, these goals are often quite large - and many of us set out with all the best intentions and enthusiasm only to find ourselves in front of the TV with a bag of chips by January 5th. At that point, we may give up. And some of us hate the idea of failing so much, we don’t even bother to make any resolutions at all!

However, goals are a good thing and the new calendar often signifies a fresh start. So if you have set some resolutions or are thinking of doing so, here are a few things to remember:

1. Never give up. Even if you have been sitting in front of the TV ever since the ball dropped eating fudge all this time, you can still try again tomorrow. There is no rule that the past must equal the future.
2. Make sure your goals make sense and are achievable. If you have been smoking for 25 years and your resolution is to quit, it is unlikely you will do it today just because it happens to be the first week of January. Break down the goal into achievable and realistic ACTIONS. In this example, you could say: “In January, I will cut back to 15 cigarettes per day and read about how to quit smoking.” That is more likely to be reached and more likely to lead to long term success.
3. Make your goals “mini.” “Losing 20 pounds” is a great idea – but, again, you won’t be able to just go “do that.” Make mini goals in the general direction of your larger goal. For instance:  "the first month of 2012, I will cut desserts but eat whatever else I want." This is very possible and if you can do it (even just some of the time), you will have the psychological benefit of making progress, which encourages you to keep going. You will also get practice denying yourself a short-term reward for a long-term goal.
4. Try again.  I basically said this in number one above, but I will say it again because this is the number one reason folks do not reach their goals – don’t let a set-back get you down. If today, you failed miserably – accept it and move on but don’t give up entirely. Try and try again.

The best resolution of all is to be patient, gentle and forgiving of yourself and keep working toward whatever goals you have set for this year!  You deserve to live life well and deserve the time and effort it may take to get you there!

Good Luck and Happy New Year!

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