| rt? | | | | most people, but maybe running 5 miles would be a |
| | | | workable goal. Break down your big dreams into small |
| Don’t begin the New Year with half-hearted | | | | doable steps. Instead of being overwhelmed by the |
| promises. Learn 4 keys to making and keeping your | | | | mountain of work ahead, take a few paces in the |
| resolutions in 2008. | | | | right direction each day. |
| If you’ve said it once, you’ve said it a | | | | 3. Track your progress. Let’s say your New |
| million times. "This year I will ____." Maybe you want | | | | Year’s resolution is to be more hospitable, so |
| to eat healthier food, lose weight, or spend more | | | | you make the commitment to host 12 dinners over |
| time with your kids. Maybe you want to lose your | | | | the course of the year. Make a list of the people you |
| pregnancy weight once and for all. How would you fill | | | | would like to invite to your home. When those people |
| in the blank? | | | | come over, check their names off the list. Keep your |
| Do you know anyone who has given up on making | | | | New Year’s resolution and/or list in a place |
| New Year’s resolutions? It’s easier to | | | | where you will see it often (or else you will forget |
| aim for nothing, after all you don’t have to | | | | about it). |
| live with the guilt of broken promises. But when you | | | | 4. Celebrate your victories. As you track your |
| dare to dream and put a plan of action into place, | | | | progress, you will see tremendous growth! Maybe |
| you will grow into a better person. The passing of | | | | you’re learning how to play the piano. When |
| the calendar year becomes more meaningful. Here | | | | you can play a particular piece, celebrate by getting a |
| are 4 keys to help you enjoy a fresh start in 2008: | | | | CD by your favorite artist. Take time to enjoy and |
| 1. Tell someone about your goal. When you make a | | | | savor your successes. |
| decision to change, no matter how big or small, share | | | | Your calendar is clean with no mistakes in it. Be the |
| it with someone you care about. Ask that person to | | | | one who makes New Year’s resolutions and |
| keep you accountable. Give him or her permission to | | | | keeps them. No more false starts for you, only |
| check on your progress on a regular basis. | | | | incremental change that lasts! |
| 2. Start with small steps. Don’t shoot yourself | | | | Today’s Action Step: What is your New |
| in the foot by making your goal too astronomical. | | | | Year’s resolution? Which of these 4 keys will |
| Running a marathon isn’t a realistic goal for | | | | you practice to ensure your success? |