The Importance Of New Year Resolutions

New Year Resolutions are full of great intentions, great aspirations and great enthusiasm. Some resolutions are much more difficult to keep than others. Typically these resolutions are statements of ultimate purpose. Personal promises are made to lose weight, complete a monumental task, spend more time with the family or live a more healthy lifestyle. Plans and aggressive schedules are hastily cobbled together to attain our lofty goals, occasionally fueled by champagne and high spirits. The biggest challenge comes later, with 364 more days to fulfill the promises and commitments made on New Years Eve.

Commitments to take control of our lives are often sparked by some special occasion or change in season. Preparing for summer, facing ourselves in the mirror with a bathing suit and pale complexion, that is enough to ignite a temporary transformation. Preparing for a family gathering, a wedding or a school reunion can also be cause for personal reflection and prompt attention to our appearance and our lifestyle. You do not have to wait for a new year, a change in the seasons or a celebration to take control of your life. Taking control of your life can be a daily celebration, a renewable resolution and as gradual as the change in the seasons.

By focusing on the goal, and not on the process, sometimes we try to do too much at

For example, you might have a desire to change your routine by decreasing consumption of alcohol or tobacco. You might want to limit your intake of salt, soda or sweets. Rather than punishing yourself with a starvation diet, you might begin by making a commitment to limit your 'fast food ' consumption to three times per week. If you can maintain that lifestyle for one or two months, then you might reduce it to two days per week, or even one day. The secrets to success are consistency and realistic goals with personal commitment and