By Denise Miller

It is 11:59 P.M. on December 31st.  The Times Square Ball drops, and everybody says goodbye to another year and hello to a new one.  Most of us make promises to ourselves and others about how we will have a better year.  For many, that fades away in a few weeks.  So, what prevents us from staying on track and completing our goals?   Do we make too many goals and become lost in where to start?  Does our motivation dwindle when results aren’t instant?  The old saying goes; “How do you eat an Elephant?  One bite at a time”.

The resolutions we make usually fall into the following categories: self improvement, business improvement, or family relationship improvement.  It is a good idea to write a list of things you want to improve, then break each item down to see how you can achieve your goals.  If you start by making small changes, it is easier to break unwanted habits.  Also, there are a variety of tools at your fingertips; with a computer you can get advice on a variety of topics that could aid you in achieving your goals.

If you make small, realistic goals and set time periods to reach them, bigger goals can seem that much easier.  Maybe you want to lose twenty pounds.  Break it into four mini goals of five pounds each.  Give yourself two weeks to take off five pounds.  If you do, set up again for the next five pounds, if you don’t, try to see why and make a change or two, then continue.  People use different strategies to get healthier or lose weight: stop drinking soda, stop or reduce fast food, eat from smaller plates or, eat more fruits and vegetables.  Pick what is best for you.  Make one change at a time each week.  Before you know it, these new habits will be second nature and you will not want those cheese fries!

Other resolutions are to make a budget, stick to it, and reduce credit card debt.

This is important to improving your life and that of your family.  This may also apply to running your business better and more profitably.  In order to reduce your personal credit card debt you must first stop charging items.  Write down the total amount owed on each card, then pay off the highest interest carrying cards first.  This comes under the budget resolution because you should write out your income and expenses for a month, or the year, and see where you can take a certain amount of money and put it on the card every couple weeks or every month.  Most credit cards come with information on how long it takes to pay down and offers suggestions on how to pay it off quicker.

Many people resolve to quit smoking for the new year.  This is beneficial to your health, finances, and environment.  Add up what you spend on cigarettes in a day, times 365 and see how much money you are spending without thinking about it!  Let’s say you buy one pack a day at $5.00 times 365 days equals  $1825.00.  You can put that money down on your credit cards!  Find a system that suits you and start rebuilding your health and savings account!

A popular resolution is to have more family time.  We are all busy and between work, school, and activities we have little time for each other.  Maybe you can schedule a day, or part of a day just for family; no TV, cell phones, or other distractions.  Put time aside to play a board game, or go somewhere with the kids such as a museum or an aquarium.  Use this time to reconnect with each other; it is an investment in all of your futures.  These are years you can’t get back.  Take advantage of the chance to be with your loved ones, even if for a short time each week.

Another resolution is to get organized in your home or office.  If you live in a sea of clutter you have to take “one bite at a time” to go through papers, clothes, and miscellaneous items.  Decide what to keep, give away, or throw out.  Again, the Internet has lots of sites with tips to organize your home or office.

Maybe you want to learn a new craft, skill, sport, instrument, or go sky diving!

See what needs to be done for your chosen project.  Maybe you need to take an adult school class, get some books, or find a friend or teacher to help you.  It all starts with the initial drive to do something and can lead to great results if you just put in the time.

© When Magazine

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