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Tips for Creating Successful Resolutions

Stick to 1-2 important goals. Having a laundry list of all the things you would like to change in your life can be overwhelming. Having a smaller list allows you to concentrate all your energy and focus on these goals. Once you achieve those goals, you can always set a few more!

Be realistic. Ask yourself whether or not your goals are reasonable and possible. An all-or-nothing attitude may set you up for failure, and feeling like you’ve failed can set you up for more failure. Instead, accept and honor your abilities.

Be specific. Articulate how you will measure success and exactly what you are trying to achieve. Making a resolution to lose weight is too general. A better choice would be to set a specific and manageable goal. For example, “I will lose 10 pounds by June 30, 2020.”

Connect to your motivation for achieving your goal. Your goal should be something you really desire, and not something you know you SHOULD do. Really connect to why this is so important to you.

Create a detailed plan to achieve your goal. It may be helpful to break large goals into intermediate, manageable steps. Don’t forget to specify a time limit for accomplishing each of the smaller steps. Before you know it, the larger goal will have been met.

Recognize that you may encounter obstacles. Obstacles can be internal or external. Examples of internal obstacles include negative self-talk, limiting beliefs and discipline issues. Some external obstacles are the lack of time, money or resources. Know in advance what hurdles you may have to conquer.

Enlist the support of an accountability partner. As you work towards your goals, it can be very helpful to have someone in your life to be your support partner. Use this person when you are struggling and set up a plan to check in regularly with him/her.

Celebrate success along the way. One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to celebrate your small successes as you work towards your larger goals. Don’t wait until the end to reward yourself. You deserve to be recognized for your efforts and your commitment, especially when your goals take a long time to achieve.

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