New Year, New Me!

"New year, new me!" "It's time to buckle down and do something about what I want to change." "I will go to the gym and lose 25 pounds." "I will no longer procrastinate." "I will give up pop and sweets." "I will stop attending every happy hour every day that ends in "day"." Have you ever muttered phrases like the ones I mentioned? It's easy to do. 

Many people make new year resolutions. The ball drops, people make out at midnight, and the new year begins. It's inspiring. Last year is behind you and the new year is before your gleaming eyes. After the novelty wears off, you may or may not make new years resolutions. If you do make them, then answer this question honestly: Will you stick to your resolutions? 

Many people make resolutions. I used to be one of those people. Overtime, I wondered why I kept making them, but they were never accomplished. Last night, I sat on my couch and thought about the concept of me making a resolution. The answer I had been seeking hit me: my resolutions haven't happen because I didn't want them to happen. Think about it, how can I possibly make a resolution happen if I doubt it? What's the point in committing to an idea if I cannot follow through on it? Why is it so difficult to follow through on a resolution when I can follow through on everything else I set my mind to? 

I've determined 2 things about resolutions: 

1) Why can't a resolution be made on May 25th, August 5th, or November 19th? A resolution can be made any day of the year. January 1st doesn't have to be the starting point. If you truly want to accomplish a resolution, then you will do it, regardless of the time of year.

2) If you choose to make a resolution, be specific in terms of what you want to accomplish. For example, if you want to lose weight, be more specific. "I want to lose 25 pounds." Break down this goal. "I want to lose 25 pounds in 3 months." Break down this goal. "I want to lose 25 pounds by April 1, 2014." The key is to develop specific goals that can be measured. Setting specific dates and milestones makes you accountable for what you want to achieve. If you want others to make you accountable, tell them about it. Have your friends and family become your support system. Post your journey via social media. 

My hope is that you have the best year yet. Don't let external forces beyond your control determine your fate. You hold the key to becoming a confident, happy and self-sufficient human being.