We all make New Year's resolutions and when we make them we are truly serious. However, after a few weeks, we seem to give up on them. Some of us give up because we just don't have the motivation, the time or just don't care.
But let's take a moment to think of why we made these resolutions? We didn't make them just because we had nothing better to say, it's because we need to.
There is some habit, health issue or goal we would like to reach. Whatever it may be, we shouldn't just give up.
For instance, for those that decided to lose weight, look at yourself in a mirror. Is it because you think you need to lose weight or you should? Some of us just have to become active and stay in shape. Then there are those of us that have to truly lose weight in order to avoid back problems, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart attacks. No doubt some article, program or even a doctor's visit has made us think about our health even more. The other reason we may decide to lose weight is not due health reasons, it could be for another reason. Maybe you are in love, had a baby, want a new wardrobe. No matter what, as long as you reach your goal and are healthy, it's not a bad idea.
Another popular resolution is to quit smoking. For those that have decided to do this, please don't give up. This may be the most important decision you have made in your life. This will add years to your life and your family and friends will love you for it. They will be there for you, to support you and help you through this. It is not an easy thing to do, it takes a lot of will power to be able to quit smoking but think of how better you will be. You will live longer; don't have to worry about your clothes smelling like smoke, you'll have a brighter smile and breathe so much better.
We also say this is the year we will save some money. This may be the easiest one of all. Just put away $20 to $50 every paycheck. See, if you are one of the ones that quit smoking, right there you have over $25 a week and if you're on a diet, then you avoid eating out a lot and spending money on junk food. Also, we tend to purchase items we don't need, just look around the house and you will find items you purchased just for the heck of it. Items you never used and probably will end up throwing away or give away. So as you can see, saving money is not hard at all.
Here are a few ways to keep your resolutions and next thing you know, you have reached your goal:
- To lose weight, get on a healthy diet and start exercising. Don't starve yourself and don't hurt yourself by overdoing it on the exercise. Start out slow; reduce your calorie intake every other week. As for exercise start by walking 30 minutes a day and each week increase it by 15 minutes. Another thing you can do is talk with your friends or co-workers. Sometimes having someone diet and exercise with you can motivate you even more. Not only that, but you can keep each other in check and help support each other. Also, don't forget, at first you don't always lose pounds at times its just inches but soon enough you will see the pounds shed away. You will start to feel better and like what you see.
- To quit smoking, look into all the programs and aids there are out there for you. There are many support groups that can help you out. You could also consider going to a therapist. There are times that this can help. It helps us see exactly why we smoke, maybe it's to fill a void, relieve stress or a nervous condition. When you decide to quit smoking, don't set an unrealistic goal of one month or even two. Take baby steps, slowly work your way to your goal. Should you have a relapse, don't give up, start over again. Don't make excuses, remember this is for you and you can quit.
- To save money, open up a savings account and make sure you don't have an ATM card for this account. Also, make sure you don't tie it up to any of your other accounts, this way you won't be tempted to transfer money. Think of this as your 401k account. Every paycheck they take money out and you don't even feel it. The best way to do this is to have it deposited directly into your account from your check. Every paycheck deposit at least $50 in that savings account and the balance of your paycheck deposited it into your checking account. After a couple of paychecks you won't even notice it anymore. As they say, out of sight, out of mind. Next thing you know, you have enough money to pay a big debt, take that vacation you dreamed about, buy a car, etc.
These are just some of the popular New Year's resolution. But here is something we don't think about, it doesn't have to be a New Year's resolution, it could just be a new way of living, a goal we set for ourselves. Whatever resolutions you make before you give them up, think about why you made it in the first place. No doubt it is beneficial to you so take baby steps, stay on it and next thing you know, you have acquired what you desired. There is no greater satisfaction that reaching a goal we set for ourselves. We don't have to prove anything to anyone, just to ourselves.