New Year's Resolutions ~ How To Keep Yours

Every year we torture ourselves by making grandiose resolutions that end up being forgotten by the beginning of March -- if not sooner.

There is a simple way of keeping that resolution whether it be to get fit, save money or learn something new. I'm sure you have read that it takes 21 days to create a habit. It's true. By remembering this skill, you can achieve the 2016 goals you drunkenly spouted off at the NYE party. 

Let us say you want to get fit so at the stroke of midnight you stopped eating crappy foods, benched 100 lbs. and drank a gallon of water. Yes I am exaggerating but when you take on a healthy lifestyle like you are already healthy, you are setting yourself up to fail. I know. I have done it year after year.

Try it month by month.

For example, January is the month you replace your triple venti mocha with a grande brewed coffee (if you added saving money as a resolution you are killing 2 birds with one stone). Don't change anything else. 

February, start an exercise routine. Something small like a 15 minute beginner's yoga session every morning in the comfort of your home. The trick is that you have to do it every day for 21 days for it to become a habit. Your brain will automatically make the time in the mornings and if by chance you miss a morning? You'll want to make it up in the evening.

If you are a soda drinker March is a great month to stop drinking soda and switching to sparkling water. Again, must be consistent for 21 days. Don't beat yourself up if you skip a day, just shake yourself off and get right back in that "bike". 

By April, you will have cut down your fat and sugar intake with having brewed coffee instead of the venti mocha, increased your circulation and energy with morning yoga and further reduced your sugar intake by cutting out soda! Of course, you will want to add a new healthy habit for the month of April and so on throughout the year. 

While this may seem unconventional, it works. You will start seeing a difference in your waistline and your mental health -- less stress and more sense of accomplishment. Do you know how I know? I started this technique last November and so far I have lost 10 lbs. I am now in the habit of drinking water or sparkling water instead of soda, complete a yoga session every morning and have added evening sessions for the month of January. February will have cardio in the mix. 

Why did I pick yoga? It's easier on the body and with short sessions, I can get my workout in without rushing to the gym or freezing on the walking trails. If yoga isn't your thing, pick something that is, like squats every morning. Start with 10 and work up until you can do 50 everyday then add crunches the next month. Not a morning person? Do it in the evenings while watching your favorite show.

If your New Year's resolution is not getting fit, that's fine -- like I said, this works for any goal. Potty mouth? Cut out one cuss word a month. Seriously.

Although it is already the 4th, you can start your 21-day routine now. Don't wait for a new week, new month or new year. Do it now. By the time the holidays roll around again you will be a new person and/or a richer one, less vulgar one! haha!

I wish you all a Happy New Year!!! 

Feel free to post your success stories and how you were able to keep your resolutions.