Inspiration & Tips For Keeping New Year's Resolutions & Goals in General

New Year’s resolution time is upon us. January 1st marks a brand new start to a another year and is also traditionally the pivotal point in time that many choose to change behaviors, attitudes, and life in general.

Oftentimes though, resolutions are not kept, so I thought it might be helpful to offer a few tips for us all to remember if we are determined to keep these new-found goals:

• Weigh the pros & cons of a change in behavior. How will this make your life better? How will it make you feel if you succeed?

• Be realistic with your goals. Don't make too many resolutions; you can only expect so much of yourself at one time.

• Be ready to change. This includes preparing yourself with the knowledge, research and resources you need to begin.

• Acknowledge the triggers and habits that might cause you to not move forward or to relapse.

• Eliminate those obstructions that might prevent you from changing your behavior.

• Write down your goals and keep them somewhere you will see them often and feel inspired to work towards them.

• Plan your course of action. What are you going to do differently now than you did before?

• Surround yourself with positive influences and people who want you to succeed.

• Start small. Take baby steps and be content with making little changes at a time. Before you know it, those baby steps will grow into giant leaps forward.

• Remind yourself of how great you are doing and pat yourself on the back when you reach milestones (even small milestones).

• Be confident in your abilities and with the power of your mind. You are capable of really astounding things that you might not even be aware of.

• Even if you have a setback, don't let it stop you. Know that you can start over again. There is nothing "magical" about January 1st.  You can set resolutions ANY DAY of the year, so certainly don't give up and wait again until next New Year's Day. Just make tomorrow your "January 1st."