Every year millions of Americans make New Year's resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, spend more time with friends and family.  Sound familiar?  Only 10% will actually achieve success. 

Why is it that over and over Americans make the same resolutions?  You've heard the benefits of healthy diet and exercise; you've heard the dangers of smoking and excessive drinking; and you've heard that spending time with loved ones and engaging in activities that you enjoy can have a positive affect on your stress and happiness levels.

What more convincing do you need? 

As another new year begins I challenge you to think differently about your resolutions.  Think about why you make them, and why you might not be following through.

Making resolutions can be daunting.  If you want to be part of that 10% who succeed, keep reading.  The following list describes ideas that have helped people achieve the goals (not resolutions!) they set for themselves.  I share them with the hope that they help you, too. 

Keep it real.  Start where you are, not where you want to be.  Create a plan, and write it down. Include the steps needed to reach your final goal.  Remember, when you climb a ladder you don't go from the ground to the top in one step, you have to climb the steps in between. 

Ask for support.  Whether from friends, family, or a coach, let people know what you're reaching for, and ask for help along the way.  You are definitely not alone in your endeavors - people really do want to see you succeed. 

Put in the effort.  Reaching a goal requires effort.  Even if you enlist the help of a coach, you still have to do the work!  People can guide you, but ultimately it's up to you to make the time and take the steps. Make it fun and keep in mind you can only fault yourself if you're not taking the necessary steps.

Be patient.  Reaching your goals is a process, not a single event.  Success takes time.  A successful business consultant once said to me, "I feel like a 20-year overnight success".  Success, no matter what you're trying to achieve is worth the wait.  Never give up!

Take responsibility.  It's your health and wellbeing - what are you going to do about it?  Make this the year for personal accountability.  Take control over your own health and wellness, even if it means stepping away from the pack.  Despite any challenge, the rewards are priceless. Do it for you and you may find that you become a role model for those around you.  

Celebrate.  Each time you complete a baby step, celebrate.  You've accomplished something - you're one step closer to the final goal.  Celebrating the completion of each step along the way gives you something to look forward to during the process.  You'll feel good, too.

Remember these steps anytime you set a new goal for yourself.  Perhaps you'll realize you no longer need to make resolutions because you are realizing success every step along the way.

Wishing you a healthy and successful 2010!

By Stacey Shipman

Stacey Shipman  is a healthy living advocate, speaker, writer, yoga teacher, publisher of HealthySouthShore.com and founder of the South Shore Wellness Professionals. She loves all things healthy living and when not working can be found hiking, biking, practicing yoga, cooking, at the beach, working on a jigsaw puzzle or relaxing in her backyard with her husband Michael. Contact her at www.staceyshipman.com, www.healthysouthshore.com or on Twitter @healthyss.

Comments(1):

1. Stay strong ladies !! the end result will be worth it !!Keep your minds sharp.

   Friday, January 08, 2010 Chrishelle