Tips for Successful New Year's Resolutions

Why is it so hard to stick to New Year's Resolutions? Daniel Hall-Flavin, M.D., says, "Truly bettering yourself is a lifestyle change, not a spur-of-the-moment type of decision."

So, here are some tips to make your New Year's Resolutions successful, and achieve that lifestyle change you are hoping for:

1) Start slow. Start where you're at and build up from it and progress.
2) Have a specific goal. For example, you may say "I would like to lose some weight this year," but it would better if you said, "I want to lose 20 pounds this year."
3) Talk to others, experts if needed. A strong support system is key. Whether it is quitting smoking, losing weight, or being more organized find someone who is or has been successful in that same goal and talk to them. See what advice works for you, and use it.
4) Set a target date. It doesn't have to be the magical date of "January 1." Look ahead to see which date or plan will support you the most -- and be realistic.
5) Stay Positive. Behavior only changes from the positive. Remember there are programs to help you accomplish your goal. Also look ahead into the future, make a list of the "real" reasons you want to accomplish your goal. When you lack reasons to change, it is easy to fall back into old habits.
6) Avoid temptations. Don't be afraid to change your environment to help with your goals.
7) Tell your loved ones. Changing your habits for good may affect your inner circle of friends. Let them know what you're trying to do, and enlist their support in helping you achieve your goal.
8) Don't give up. Give yourself another chance. Most people slip up at some point. The people who are successful are the ones who get back on track. Look at how many days you still have left in the calendar year and see what you can accomplish before the year is up. Keeping your goals is all about commitment.
9) Reward yourself. Come up with rewards when you reach milestones and then when you accomplish your goal - just make sure that your rewards are not counter-intuitive to the process!