New Year’s Resolution Check-In

It has been less than three weeks since we welcomed in 2012 but it’s already National Ditch Your Resolution Day! We hope you’re still working toward yours (after using our easy guide on how to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions, of course) but just in case you’re struggling, we thought we’d check in on you and bring a little motivation!
When working towards your New Year’s Resolution, keep in mind three things:

1) Don’t forget that these things take time. About.com wants to make sure that we “Remember that Change is a Process”. It’s only been a few weeks, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not seeing changes immediately. Your resolution is not a sprint; it’s a day-to-day improvement that will only get better – and easier – over time.

Keep motivation close by!

2) Remember the reason behind the resolution. When you find yourself slacking on your goal, remind yourself why you chose this resolution. Once you remember why it was important to you in the first place, your motivation will be renewed.

3) Think positive. It’s easy to start to feel negative once the initial motivation behind the resolution fades, but positive thinking can be one of your best assets. Whether you develop a personal mantra or think of an inspirational quote, do what you can to keep a positive outlook.

Remember these three pieces of advice and you’ll be a Resolution-Breaker no more! Do you have a special way of keeping yourself motivated? Share it with us below!

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Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions!

It’s the same story every year: you whip up a list of New Year’s resolutions, swear that this time you’re going to stick to it (really!), and last just under a month before giving up (until next year, that is). Well, fear no more! Part of the secret lies in how you set your resolutions – and we’re here to help!

Step 1: Get Specific

For example: “In 2012, I am going to exercise more,” though admirable, is incredibly vague and, therefore, hard to stick to. Very broad resolutions are difficult to keep because they are hard to measure.  How much is “more” exactly? If your goal is immeasurable, you will have a difficult time noting your progress.

“Before” Resolution: I am going to exercise more.
“After” Resolution: I am going to do cardio twice a week and lift weights once a week.

With our guide, you'll be keeping your resolutions straight through to 2013!

Step 2: Be Realistic

According to the online Goal Setting Guide, setting realistic resolutions helps to avoid the frustration and lowered self-esteem that accompany falling short of a goal. New Year’s resolutions should be part of a step-by-step process that is meant for self-improvement. Be ambitious without going over-the-top.

Before Resolution: I am going to exercise every single day.
After Resolution: I am going to exercise 3-4 days a week.

Step 3: Find a Cheerleader

Sometimes when we lose motivation for ourselves, all we need is a pick-me-up from someone else to get us going again. Find someone reliable and positive, whether it be your mom or a good friend, and ask them to keep you motivated if you start to lose your drive. They’ll most likely be happy to help and you’ll be happy for their help!

And lastly…

Step 4: Don’t be afraid to re-evaluate.

Determine a timeline to check-in on your progress.  Vow to evaluate how well you are doing every 3 months, or every month if necessary and don’t hesitate to tweak it if you have to. Struggling with a part of your resolution? See if there is a way to alter it a bit without losing sight of your goal. Feel like you’re ready to take on more? Add a little extra and work towards that!

Before Resolution: I am going to do cardio twice a week and lift weights once a week.
After Resolution: After 3 months, I’d like to add more to my exercise routine. I am going to do cardio three times a week and lift weights once a week.

You’re all set and ready to take on the New Year! With these guidelines, you’ll be keeping your resolutions straight through to 2013. Have any questions, suggestions, or other helpful advice? Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us below!


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10 Resolutions For College Students

As a college student, there are plenty of resolutions you could make for the New Year. You could resolve to organize your dorm room or to always make your bed before leaving for class. Those resoultions are just fine, but why not stick to some resolutions, which will help you reach your collegiate and professional goals?

USA Today College has put together a list of 10 resolutions every college student should make. I definitely agree with most on this list (#2, 4, 5, 8 and especially 9).

If I had to add my own personal resolutions to this list they would be:

  • to put together a killer resume
  • to volunteer at least twice per month at the local animal shelter
  • to stop being the Queen of Procrastination, although I love being royalty
  • to eat well (which means no more Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked at 3am)
  • to keep to my resolutions until at least June 2011 (yes…I always break them by the second week of the New Year…I’m not gonna lie.)

What are your New Year’s resolutions?

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