5. Talk About It
Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your
resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health. The best-case scenario is to find a buddy
who shares your New Year’s resolution and motivate each other.
6. Reward Yourself
This doesn’t mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to eat a better diet.
Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your
resolution. If you have been sticking to your promise to eat better, for example, reward yourself with new
fitness clothing or by going to a movie with a friend.
7. Track Your Progress
Keep track of each small success. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment will
help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, focus on losing the first five. Keep a
food journal to help you stay on track, and reward yourself for each five pounds lost.
8. Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Obsessing over the occasional slip won’t help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and
take one day at a time.
9. Stick to It
Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become
part of your personality. It won’t happen overnight, so be persistent and patient!
10. Keep Trying
If you have totally run out of steam when it comes to keeping your resolution by mid-February, don’t
despair. Start over again! Recommit yourself for 24 hours. You can do anything for 24 hours. The 24-hour
increments will soon build on each other and, before you know it, you will be back on track.
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