SETTING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS THAT STICK

SETTING NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS THAT STICK

This year, why not try something different? Instead of setting New Year's resolutions that fade into the background by Chinese New Year, set some real goals that stick.

For starters, figure out what you really want. If you want to quit smoking, why? What is it that you are seeking to gain? Do you want to improve your health? Gain acceptance from non-smoking friends and family? Change your image? If you can figure out exactly what you want, you'll be far more likely to actually get it.

Next, spend some time clearly defining what you want by when. Really get into what it will be like to have accomplished it. If you want to get rid of some fat, dig up old pictures of yourself from when you were slimmer. If you want a new car, go test drive it. If you want to stop smoking, picture your friends patting you on the back and congratulating you for your achievement of mind over matter.

The third step is to create a plan of action. Your plan doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to list all the little steps you must take to get from here to there, preferably in the order in which they must be done. By breaking your goal into smaller, more manageable steps, it will be easier to accomplish and you will be able to make steady forward progress.

Finally, take some action every day, no matter how small. Consistent daily action will ensure that you achieve your goal in no time.