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Why new years Resolutions fail

Its that time of year again where we reflect on the last year, wonder where all the time went and put some thougebht into what's in store for us in the year to come. For many of us its a time for reflection and a chance to think about who we want to be.

Given the new years close approximation to Christmas festivities, its little wonder that the top promises we make to ourselves is to lose weight and get fit. Sadly, these resolutions are also also the most likely to be broken so year on year the waist line line gets a bit bigger... and a bit bigger... and a bit bigger!

So why do some new years resolutions fail?

I beleive that the same principles should be applied to resolutions as to goal setting in general. For many of us we set out with vague goals and vague intentions with no clear whay of measuring success or declaring victory.

‘SMART’ resolutions are good resolutions.

A good resolution like any good goal is ‘SMART’. That stands for:

• Specific — Instead of setting a vague goal such as lose weight, set a specific goal, such as ‘I want to lose weight and I plan to do it through swimming 3 times a week and cutting 1000 kilojoules a day from my intake’. People who set specific goals are more successful than those who don’t. Make sure you write your goals down, and any smaller interim steps within your goal, as this will help you to define them.
• Measurable — Instead of ‘I want to lose weight’, set a goal like ‘I want to lose 15 kg so I can achieve my goal weight of 85 kg’.
• Achievable — Do you have the skills and resources needed to complete the goal? If you want to enter an organised cycle ride in the future — do you have a bike to train for the ride? Can you ride during daylight hours? Is your goal practical? Does it fit in with your lifestyle and your family?
• Relevant — Is your goal relevant to your bigger picture goals? Does it fit with your long-term vision?
• Timely — Make sure your goal has a deadline — and that you have set dates for individual steps within your main goal. For example, ‘I’ll be able to walk to the local shops and back by February’.

Be Realistic with yourself

Its important to be realistic when it comes to making a regular and life changing commitment. Take part in activities that you enjoy and eat the food that you know you will eat in the long term. Its no good signing up with a personal trainer if that's really not your thing.

Be realistic - Part II

Do you know people who make long lists every year. In fact, do you make long lists every year of resolutions that you cant keep. Take the list and cut it down to the goals that are really important to you. Don't be tempted to do everything at once.

Be Honest with yourself.

If your trying to change habits, its going to take time. Chart your progress and colour code the squares for the days you stick to it and the days you don't. You willnot only be surprised by how many days you have stuck to your goal but will begin to build a visual tool that will help to keep your will power on track as time goes on.

Tell the world

Let your friends in on your intentions. This way you up the stakes for yourself which is an added boost for your will power. Be sure to engage friends that will be supportive