Realistic Resolutions "Secret to Success"

Take it easy on yourself this year, and make a New Year’s resolution that you can keep.

"The holidays are a good time to write down self-improvement goals for the new year," said Dr. Ken Goodrick, associate professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. "The most important thing is to keep your resolutions realistic – don’t vow to lose 50 pounds within the next few months or get another college degree in a short time."

Dr. Goodrick offers the following tips to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions:

• Plan ahead. Choose resolutions that you have been thinking about for some time. Spontaneous resolutions usually fade as quickly as they appear.
• Adopt a new behavior instead of trying to shake a bad habit. For example, try to increase your intake of healthy foods instead of saying that you will completely eliminate certain foods.
• Write down your resolution and your plan of action. Stick it to the refrigerator, or on your computer as a constant reminder.
• Only set one or two goals. You’ll have better luck fulfilling a smaller number, and you can always make new resolutions as time passes and your goals change.
• Understand that change comes gradually. Resolutions offer people the chance to create new habits over time.

Dr. Goodrick said changes in behavior must accompany New Year’s resolutions.

"Lifestyle modifications are not always easy, and commitment is the key to success. It’s also a good idea to keep track of your progress," he advised.

If you’re unsuccessful at first, look at possible barriers and make a better plan to succeed.

"Decide what you would like to achieve, and identify the course of action needed to attain your goal," Dr. Goodrick said. "Making a list is easy, but keeping it requires determination."

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