It's 2007 already? As the new year rolls in, so do the new year resolutions. Is this the year you're going to lose that weight or find that new job?
For many, new year resolutions are our attempt at a little personal reflection. We want to grow, evolve and become better people than we were the year before. Unfortunately, keeping those resolutions isn't always as easy and we end up frustrated because we've set goals that we know we can't possibly meet. Before you commit yourself to the same list of "I'm going to do's" from last year, let's take a look at some of the most popular resolutions that people make and more importantly, how you can succeed:
- Lose weight. Whether its 20 pounds or something a bit more substantial, there's something about a new year that makes us want to shed that extra weight. But if losing weight seems to be a recurring statement on your resolution list each year, you might need to look a little deeper and find out why you're not hitting your goal. Many people eat out of boredom while others turn to food in times of stress. And anyone who's ever dieted knows that denying yourself your favorite foods can cause quite a bit of stress. So this year, instead of of swearing off anything that doesn't resemble celery and cottage cheese, try tackling your diet from a different perspective. Its okay if you want to eat pizza now and then. Its also okay if you have a cookie or a slice of chocolate cake at the office party. The key is moderation. You're not going to deprive yourself of food - quite the contrary, you're going to eat whatever you want. But you're going to do it in smaller amounts and you're only going to eat when you're really, really hungry. You're also going to push yourself away from the table once the hunger sensation is gone. No more eating everything on your plate or stuffing yourself until your miserable. Barring a medical condition that might cause you to have trouble losing weight, learning to manage your binges is often enough to see a few pounds begin to drop. It also prevents the guilt you feel after "cheating" on your diet because there is no cheating. You've just agreed to start paying attention to how much and how often you eat. With patience, persistence and a little self-awareness, you can ease yourself into a smaller size with minimal stress.
- Get organized. Even I have this one on my list. The thing about organization is that if you have to include it on your list of resolutions chances are, getting organized is a fairly monumental task. The key to keeping this resolution is to tackle your chaos in small, tolerable amounts. My office for example, houses not only my computer desk, but my kids toys as well. The closet serves as storage space and with just a small amount of activity, the room can quickly become a disaster area. When I get that urge to tidy things up, the room as a whole is overwhelming. So, I've learned to set my sights on one piece at a time. Organizing my desk for instance, is a relatively easy task all by itself and it gives me a sense of accomplishment when I'm done, a success that helps motivate me to tackle the filing cabinet, the toy-covered floor or the closet that makes me cringe. Instead of saying "I want to get organized", start looking at exactly what you want to organize and address it piece by piece. You'll have things in order before you know it.
- Save money. Oooh, did I strike a nerve with this one? Saving money is one of the most important things we need to do yet it also seems to be the most difficult. It could be that we don't have a lot of money to start with or perhaps we just have trouble spending wisely. Whatever the reason, getting a handle on your money is easier than you might think. Start by finding a way to save even just a small amount each paycheck. Whether its $5 or $50 bucks, paying yourself on a regular basis is a very inspiring act and will help propel you into other money-smart behaviors. Take that savings and tuck it away in a high-yield interest bearing account, such as Capital One's Money Market accounts or online savings accounts such as ING and Emigrant Direct. You'll earn an average of 4 to 6% with these accounts, way better than the half a percent you get with traditional savings. Once you've established your savings plan, start looking at ways to cut your expenses. Do you spend too much on fast food? Are you a shopaholic? Try writing down everything you spend for one month. Yes, its a pain, but you'll be surprised to see where your money actually goes. Gain control of your spending and you'll be on your way to a financially prosperous future.
- Work less, play more. A very admirable resolution and one that's definitely worth keeping. The question is: how will you accomplish it? For many of us, 12 hour days at the office isn't an unusual event and its hard to just say "okay, from now on I'm leaving at 5:00". What's more, if you've made it a habit to work those long hours on a regular basis, your boss could likely have come to expect it, making it even more difficult to cut back on your hours. The reality is, high-paying positions often come with certain strings attached, one usually being that you're at the company's beck and call. If you're really ready to work less and play more, you may have to give up your dream of that VP position with the big corner office. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Life is short and despite what Corporate America might tell you, your purpose here isn't to line their pockets with money. Instead, consider starting your own consulting or freelancing business. Start learning skills that will allow you to move into a more rewarding but less draining job. With just a little planning, you can make the transition from workaholic to happily balanced with minimal disruption to your household.
- Stop smoking. Anyone who smokes knows they need to stop. Its unhealthy and its expensive. The problem is, quitting is hard and going it alone isn't always a successful venture. To get the most from your attempt to quit, enlist the support of family, friends and other hopeful quitters. Try "MyTimetoQuit.com" or "QuitSmokingSupport.com". The more effort you put into your attempt to quit, the better chances you have to succeed.
Want another tip to help you keep those resolutions? Be realistic when making your resolutions. Saying your want to get that degree is admirable for example, but for many going back to school full-time isn't always doable. Instead, compromise and either take classes on a part-time basis, try some of the distance learning classes online or at the very least, commit to some self-education by learning a foreign language or trying your hand at a new hobby such as painting or tennis. No, this last suggestion won't earn you that degree but it will keep you learning and ultimately, that was the most important part of the resolution.
Be realistic when making your resolutions and you'll find that this year, you can actually check a few off your list.
The copyright of the article New Year Resolutions for 2007 in Pop Culture Events is owned by Kate Luther. Permission to republish New Year Resolutions for 2007 must be granted by the author in writing.
