1. Think Hope, Not Guilt. Dr. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist at Stanford University, writes, “Other people's ideas of who you should be and what you should do can go right in the delete file.” New Year’s is a time to feel inspired, not ashamed. Look back on your favorites moment of 2009, and imagine 10 experiences you look forward to in 2010.
2. Choose One Thing. Just one. Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” suggests, “Make a promise and keep it.” Check in with yourself weekly. After successfully meeting one goal, you’ll have the confidence to take on another.
3. Get the Wording Right. Penelope Trunk, an author and founder of the blog “The Brazen Careerist,” says you should break down your goal into tasks. Instead of telling yourself you need to go to the gym, Trunk suggests saying, “I need to drive to the gym at 4:30 every day and I cannot drive out of the parking lot until 5:30.”
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help. Martha Beck, a life-coach, columnist and author, writing for Oprah.com, outlines four different personality types: quick starters, fact-finders, implementers, and follow-through types. When looking for support in committing to a resolution, partner with others who share your goal but have different strengths and weaknesses.
5. Track Your Success. Use a site like 43 Things to measure your success. Sign up, create an account, outline a strategy and find other people who share your goals.
Find more of the best sites for keeping your resolutions in findingDulcinea’s Web Guide to New Year’s Resolutions.
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