Stick with Your New Year’s Resolution

2012 is right around the corner. That means wearing those ridiculous NYE hats while making out with your ex girlfriend in the corner of some dingy dive when the ball drops, taking too many shots of Patron, and welcoming in the new year with a list of crazy resolutions that you probably won?t keep. If you want to fulfill more New Year?s resolutions than simply promising to vomit discretely under a couch than your buddy?s backseat, read on.

Party time then business time

New Year?s resolutions are a double-edged sword. They can be both rewarding and challenging. Many people make them, but few actually follow through with them. Before you pop the cork on that champagne bottle, take some time to think about what you would like to change and accomplish in 2012. Having a small list of tasks that you can actually commit to instead of a huge, grandiose vision for the new year will help you become a better version of yourself and allow you to actually complete your resolutions.

– Try to be as specific as you can when it comes to your resolution. Instead of saying ?I want to be happy in 2012,? think about two or three things that you can do to lift your mood. Whether you want to pick up a new hobby or spend more time with your girlfriend, having concrete plans instead of an ambiguous idea will help you make your resolution more realistic.

– Try to get the support of your friends and family. Having people who care about you in your corner is a huge self esteem boost and will motivate you to try harder to reach your goals.

– Instead of taking action right away on January 1^st, try to do a little at a time. Remember, the slow and steady win the race. If you made the resolution to lose 10 pounds by the spring, don?t immediately get up at the crack of dawn and run 17 miles. Start slow by going to the gym two or three times a week. Putting your all into it from the get-go can be exhausting. Take baby steps.

– Reward yourself once you have crossed a resolution you?ve completed off of your list. Book a vacation to Cancun or buy yourself a really expensive beer. Having something to look forward to after you?ve completed your goal will get you more excited about completing your resolution.

Remember, New Year?s resolutions aren?t suppose to be a chore. They?re aimed at helping you better yourself. Also, you have an entire year to complete them. Don?t think you have to lose six inches on your waist line and get that big promotion at work all within the same week. If you?re trying to improve yourself a little bit every day, then you?re on the right path.