photo: ElvertBarnes

Most of us have made New Year’s resolutions at least once in our lives, but how many of us have actually stuck with them for more than a week or two?  The truth is that even though we’re certain the resolution is what we want we really want, ie losing weight, very few of us have the self-discipline needed to keep motivated for very long, particularly when at a birthday party we’re presented with that sticky, sweet, creamy piece of cake with roses on the top and green icing dripping down the sides, it would just be downright rude to refuse it.

There are a few easy things we can do to keep ourselves motivated to stay with our resolution:

Photo: ElvertBarnes

• If possible, cut out a picture of what it is you want to achieve and post it up on your fridge or mirror, somewhere you will see it everyday to remind yourself of your goal. If you can’t find a picture of your exact goal, try something that symbolises your objective and use that,  for example, if you’re trying to lose weight, take the picture of a cake and attach it to your fridge door, or even the handle, then every time you go to open the fridge it’ll remind you to think twice before going inside.
• Find a support group of like minded people near your home. Try not to have to travel too far to the group so you have less of an excuse not to go.
• Find a friend who wants to achieve something, it doesn’t even have to be the goal, for example maybe you know someone who wants to quit smoking this year. Team up with them and be there to support each other, sharing in successes and working through any set backs.
• Tell family members what you’re trying to achieve and ask for their help and patience, they may have some ideas that will make your goal a whole lot easier to achieve, or they may want to join you, or they may have goals that you can achieve together.
• Try breaking down your goal into smaller, more easily achievable segments, ie, if you want to lose 30lbs, aim for 5 or 10lbs by a particular date or by an activity like a special occasion and when you reach that goal, reset the date for the next goal and so on.

• Of course there’s always the option of using a coach. (You knew that was coming right?) I’m part friend, part mentor, part crutch, part confessor, part bulldog and all human.  I won’t bully you, but I will ensure you stay on track with what you want to achieve (as long as it’s legal, humane and won’t harm you or anyone else).

Let me finish by saying that this year I have a hefty goal of trying to get two businesses profitable at the same time in order to have a special holiday for my family as my kids turn 16 and 18. They both deserve something really special.