Realistic Goals Keep New Year's Resolutions on Track

Every day of the year offers potential for change and personal growth, but there’s something especially satisfying about starting off the New Year with goals. How can you increase the odds of seeing your resolution through?

“Be specific. Set manageable goals rather than trying to change everything at once,” said Dr. Susan Clayton, a psychology professor at the College of Wooster.

Trying new things, learning a second language, eating better, exercising are popular resolutions. Choices are limited only by your imagination.

Here’s some general suggestions from behaviorists to give your New Year’s resolution the best chance at success:

• Set a specific result instead of making an open-ended goal. (Example: “I want to lose 10 pounds by March 1” instead of “I want to lose weight.”)
• Focus on behavioral goals. Once you set on a specific target, drill down further to see what it entails. If you want to save money, look at what expenses you can cut. You’d be surprised to discover how much "found money” you encounter by bringing lunch to work a couple times per week.
• Allow yourself to fail. New Year's resolutions are about building new habits and making lifestyle changes. Allow yourself some grace when you fall short. Don’t use it as an excuse to abandon the process.
• Appreciate small victories. Self-control seems to come in limited supplies.
• Know thyself. Examine and know your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t set yourself up to fail.