10 Tips To Help Your Resolution Stick

Do you make New Years Resolutions? I have always tried to kind of buck the trend of following along with people who "Make A Resolution"-- and the way I do it is by saying "It's not a resolution, I'm setting some goals." So- really I guess I do follow along with the whole thing.

Last year I made several goals for myself. I was at the time in my life when I needed inspiration and focus and I was ready. A big goal on that list had to do with my health. I set a specific bench mark, achieved it, refined my goal to have monthly milestones and achieved them all! It was exhilarating I was focused on them like a laser.

But now what? For the last week I have felt lost. What do I do when I don't have a "Goal" to focus on. Well, obviously- wander around and eat cookies! NOOOOO--- that's not what you do JoDee! You set new goals and you focus on them and achieve them! So now I'm in the process of setting 2013 fitness goals.

Do you have something you really want to do or become? You CAN do it. It will be mind over matter. It will be setting yourself up for success. It will be hard work.... but you can succeed.

Here are some steps you can take to make lasting change and success:

1- Set S.M.A.R.T. goals

I lived by this motto last year. I made sure that my goals met each of these criteria and that helped tremendously.

2- Make meaningful goals. Are you really passionate about doing this or is it someone else's goal for you? You wont make the necessary decisions or sacrifices if it's not something that you really want.

3- Find a support network. You need to find people who will be there to support you through the good and bad of this- and know there will be good and bad.

4- Share your goals with that support network. If you want real change- you can't keep your intentions a secret.

5- Be on the lookout for sabotage. Even your most beloved can be a person who sabotages you. It could be persuading you not to go workout or asking you to forgo your time you allotted to work on your goals for time with them. They may become threatened by your success or fear that the changes you are making will change your relationship. Be aware this is their problem. You can assure them that you are the same person and that you love them but that you need them to be supportive.

6- Don't make your goals- someone else's goals. Your success is singular. It's your journey- and only yours.

7- Set yourself up for success- make your environment a place that will help you achieve your goal.

8- Don't try to achieve success blindly- get help! If that means getting a trainer, nutritionist, or a teacher to teach you that language you've been wanting to learn- find help!

9-Know there will be ups and downs in this process. If you loose focus- find it once again. If you fear your changes- run toward them. If you need help- ask.

10- Don't be afraid to refine your goals. If you find you are close to achieving your goal- think about a new milestone related to that goal. It will be motivating and empowering!

Make 2013 a year of transformation! You can do it!