Did you make a New Year’s Resolution this year? Still thinking of making one? If you want to be one of the top 10-15% of those who make them, and actually succeed in having their resolutions last the whole year through, consider the following advice from The Common Sense Coach^TM:

When I did an online search for the origin of the word ‘resolution’, I came up with the following.

· “a breaking into parts,” from L. resolutionem (nom. resolutio) “process of reducing things into simpler forms,” from pp. stem of resolvere “loosen”. Originally sense of “solving” (as of mathematical problems) first recorded 1548, that o “holding firmly” (in resolute) 1533, and that of “decision or expression of a meeting” is from 1604. Source: http://www.etymonline.com

As early as 1412, the word was originally used to describe a breaking into parts, or reducing things into simpler forms. Isn’t that what we’re trying to do when we make a resolution? Aren’t we trying to simplify our life a bit more by establishing this new, self-imposed rule? Isn’t our intention to change our behaviour so we can feel better about ourselves?

Why is it then that so many of us agonize or suffer when trying to follow a resolution, and curse or berate ourselves when we eventually ‘fall off the wagon’? Here are my tips for a resolution solution:

1. Follow the original intention of feeling better. Make a resolution out of the pure spirit of simplification. When you decide to make a resolution, be sure that it is something that you desire – and place a value on accomplishing the goal which is greater than not accomplishing it. (ie. it is worth the effort)
2. Be sure that you are setting resolution goals that are both possible and probable. If your resolution this year is to get ‘more exercise’, and as part of your resolution, you tell yourself that you are going to work out at the gym 6 days per week, how realistic is this? Have you ever worked out 6 days per week? When was the last time you worked out at all? Have you prepared your schedule to accommodate for this? Too many people start out in the New Year with good intentions, but set themselves up for failure by making their resolutions unattainable, or improbable. Instead of pledging to work out 6 or 7 days a week, why not set a goal that you will exercise at least twice per week, then go into bonus territory when you fit 3 or more workouts in? By doing this, you will be more likely to stick to your resolution, and feel even better about yourself when you are able to do more.
3. Break the resolution down into attainable sub-goals. In order to accomplish the bigger goal, what are all the smaller things you need to do first? For example, if your resolution is to quit smoking, your sub-goals may include things like: recruiting a friend or family member for accountability and support, making an appointment with your MD or your acupuncturist for some extra tools that can help you succeed, talking to others who have already quit so you have a better idea what it takes, and so on. Don’t just make the resolution without any concrete plans for attaining your goal.
4. Celebrate your successes, and stay commited to your resolution even when you experience a set-back. Celebrating the successful completion of each of your sub-goals will put you in a positive mindset to continue with the resolution, as there are actual rewards for doing so. Keep in mind that nobody is perfect, so you may experience some set-backs along the way. If you stay focused on the bigger goal, and remind yourself that there is value in accomplishing that goal, you can see the set-backs as obstacles instead of failures. Anyone who has achieved anything of value will tell you that there are always minor set-backs along the way. Those who succeed are the ones who overcome the obstacles. The only ones who experience failure are the ones that quit trying.
5. Have fun. Always remember that if you are making a resolution, you have a sense that you deserve to feel better about yourself. Feeling better does not feel like a chore, an obligation, or a curse. It feels good. Incorporate some rewards for attaining the little sub-goals, or some regular rewards for maintaining your commitment to the plan. For example, if you are on a new diet, give yourself an allowance to buy a special new piece of clothing each month that flatters your ever-shrinking new waistline. Rewarding yourself on a regular basis helps to keep you in an attitude of appreciation, which is very positive, and uplifting. Also, when you get to look forward to your rewards, this helps keep you focused into the future, where you visualize yourself achieving your goals.

Following some of the tips outlined above will help keep you on track for a new year filled with new, positive changes. Always remember that January 1 is not the only day of the year where you are allowed to commit to change. Make every day a new opportunity for growth and improvement. And, practice appreciation for your efforts whenever you can. You deserve it.

Yours Truly,

Dr. Christian Guenette

The Common Sense Coach^TM