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