A lot of people want to start the New Year with their NEW self.  Chances are you have already written down a number of goals for the year, and perhaps you feel like you’re already on your way to accomplishing them. You’re going to exercise more, eat right, drink less, quit cigarettes, read more, spend less money and generally just be a better you. Good for you! It’s great that you want to improve your life. Statistically speaking, however, only around 8 percent of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions.

And here are the reasons why our resolutions fail:

1.       We set many goals.

Our mind is programmed to focus on one thing at a time, and 1-3 big things in general at any phase in our life. And when we try to make changes in 3 different areas, or to go after 5 goals at once, or to replace 2 bad habits with good ones, we fail. The solution is simple. Choose one thing and do it right this time.

2.       We crave big transformations.

Not only do we want to change many things at once, but we also want to make them big. Which makes it even more impossible to achieve without getting overwhelmed and stressed.  Another key ingredient to successfully changing our behavior – besides doing one thing at a time – is starting small.

So concentrate on one resolution this year, and break it down into achievable and easy steps. Then start with the first one.

3.       We don’t prepare.

Most people don’t think about big changes until December comes, and then it’s too late to plan things carefully so they just rush into it and decide to do or not to do something from January on.

So take a pen and paper and write down the one thing you want to change the most in your life. Think of all you need to do to get there. Set a deadline if you want to for each of the steps.

Plan out the changes you need to make in your daily life so that it can fit perfectly there. Set a time each day for taking this step. Think of what reminders you can use so that you don’t forget it.

4.       We want fast results.

Not only do we want many and big transformations, but we want that to happen fast.

Those who plan on getting fit want to have lost weight by the end of January. Others want to be out of debt by that time. But it doesn’t work like that. Resolutions need time to become a reality, and to be a permanent part of your new lifestyle, not just a temporary phase. So give it time. Be patient. Have the end goal in mind and visualize success, but don’t be in a hurry.

5.       We don’t want it bad enough.

Most people don’t really want to make the changes they think about in December. A good self-analysis of your dreams and goals is needed at this point, so that you don’t end up chasing something that won’t make you happy even if you reach it soon. Be honest with yourself. Define your ideal life and see how it differs from your current one. Then take a firm decision to change one aspect first, and eliminate distractions. Be sure you truly want it before you do anything, though.

6.       Our motivation is short-term.

As a result of everything else listed above, we don’t have the right type of motivation. And to make a big change like a new year’s resolution, we should stay consistent and motivated for months. To do that, always be reminded of your why. So make sure you stay motivated no matter what. Taking small steps daily towards you goal will help you see progress soon, and that’s one way to be inspired to keep going.

Are you a careful reader? Test yourself!

Complete the phrases from the text.

New year’s r………………………

Set g………………………………….

Make c………………………………

Plan things c………………………

Give it t……………………………….

Become a r………………………….

Not be in a h……………………………..

Be h…………………. with yourself

Take a firm d………………………..

Eliminate d………………………….

Stay c…………………………………

As you finish, remember them and keep them as your guideline for the next year.