Last year I didn't really make a resolution but in November of 2010 I changed my diet to exclude and include a few foods to help my health and have stuck to it. When it comes to health I've always been good at sticking with a goal.
For this year I can't really think of anything I want to change or improve on. I always try to work on my writing and continue to improve where I can. I started this blog in 2006 and have had times where I updated it on a regular basis and then there would be a lull. My life isn't terribly interesting so it's not always easy to come up with ideas that wouldn't bore my readers. Some of you are probably nodding off as I type.
A resolution should be something you can achieve. Some people go overboard and write up a long list of things they will do trying to completely change their life and in the end don't keep any of them. One or two is much better. Trying to completely overhaul yourself is overdoing it and you are surely to fail.
Some goals are big enough in themselves like not smoking or losing weight if you are obese. If you achieve one important thing that is great.
If you can make it fun that will help you stick with it. Exercise doesn't have to be a chore, eating healthy can be enjoyable and not smoking or drinking can also be turned into a game. Look at ways to attain your end results.
Find delicious recipes that incorporate dishes that are low calorie. You might take up cooking classes as well as losing weight. That would be fun and you might even meet new people.
What is it about drinking you enjoy? Is it the cocktails, the socializing or the taste of beer? Dissect your reasons. There are non-alcoholic beverages and beers that taste pretty good. Experiment and find a recipe that suits your palate and you'll be more apt to stick to it. When you go out carry your recipe with you, give the bartender a copy and in most cases he'll be happy to mix it up for you.
Cayenne pepper and jalapenos replicate the bite of alcohol if you want to add some zing to your drink.
If it's the socializing you crave then ordering a soft drink or juice will suffice. You can still go out with friends you just won't be getting sauced and the good news is you can be a designated driver. I have a friend who has been sober for years but still goes to parties and out with friends. He says he enjoys himself as much or more because he gets a kick out of watching intoxicated people.
To help stop smoking you might try the electronic devices they have out now. Some people chew gum or suck on lollipops. With more and more campuses becoming smoke free it's a good resolution to make. Think how much money and time you'll save not purchasing nicotine not to mention helping your health.
I know a woman who put money in a jar for every pack of cigarettes she didn't buy. Every month she counted her savings and put it in the bank. Having visual results of her self control helped her continue.
If you can get a fellow smoker to stop at the same time you can help each other during the hard times. Think of how much better you will feel. Try to concentrate on the positive effects of not smoking instead of what you are giving up.
I've had some people tell me that they find walking on a treadmill boring and want to know how I have kept it up. It is a repetitious exercise lacking in excitement so you have to do something else at the same time like reading a book, listening to audio books or watching television. You can talk into a recording device if you are a writer, dictate a novel or an article or you can just make lists of things you will accomplish later. You can borrow educational videos from the library and learn a new language, skill or information.
Don't simply walk...learn. Walking increases blood flow to our brain helping us think better and it's a good time to exercise our mind at the same time we help our heart, muscles and joints.
When you rethink the task at hand it brings it to a new prospective and just possibly will help you achieve that goal you set.
If you are trying to get a book published watch this next video and never give up. Even the big time authors were rejected, some many, many times.
