Stick to your resolutions

By this time, you probably have a long list drawn up of everything you would like to accomplish in the new year to improve your life.

Every person promises to lose weight or change careers but by the first week of February, those aspirations are long forgotten.

Dr Lisa Lahey, a psychologist in Featherbrooke, says that on average 45 per cent of people make New Year’s resolutions, but just eight per cent are successful in achieving their goals. “The mindset is the thing that has to change to alter their behaviour. If you figure out how to alter your mindset, your New Year’s resolutions will be acquired.”

Basically, have a clear goal in mind of what you want to achieve. You do not have to succumb to the pressure to do everything at once, but start small and make regular progress. Lahey adds that instead of thinking you need to do things differently, rather ask “Why?”.

• The most common resolution, is to lose weight. However, if you really want to see it through, you might want look at your reasons. If you want to lose weight to increase your self-confidence, look at ways to boost your self-esteem.
• Write little notes for yourself reminding you why you started your resolution.
• Take baby steps. Start with small changes early in the year. If your resolution is to meditate, you can start off by taking out just one minute of your day to be with your thoughts and build from there.
• Don’t make a plan B. When you have a back-up plan, you are less likely to attain your original goals. Do not use this option.
• Lift your spirits. Do something that puts you in a good mood to help you when your willpower starts wearing down.
• Pat yourself on the back. Write down all of the things you have done and that you are proud of. This will remind you of how much willpower you have.