NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

It is customary with people to make a new year resolution at the beginning of the new year. It is at this time that people contemplate what habits need to be changed /improved. They then resolve to change their old habits and adopt new ones, hoping to improve their relationship with other people or improve their health etc.

Whether the previous resolutions were achieved or not, people still make New Year resolutions with full determination and commitment at the beginning of the year, as this period allows for planning for the whole year.

Many vow to reach office in time, pay debts, do away with junk food, quit drinking and smoking, spend quality time with family members, enjoy life more, learn something new, keep one fit by workout and exercise, shed off a few kilogrammes of weight or do social service by helping the needy etc etc.

However, all these good intentions get derailed within days, if not weeks, if no proper planning is put in place.

But why do many New Year Resolutions fail? One major reason is making resolutions that are unrealistic and unattainable. Then later after adopting them, you discover that it is difficult to follow them. Consequently, you end up failing leading to frustrations.

Therefore, come up with a plan that will define the steps that can be put into action. Establishing a goal without developing a plan is an exercise in futility. A good plan should define the steps to be followed and what it takes to achieve your objective.

Establishing resolutions that are easy to follow can help. Just find out what you are capable of doing without expecting too much from yourself. Some are not easy to stick to, for example quitting cigarette smoking, so find out what it takes before committing yourself.

As you make your resolution, always remember that you may not realise you goal in a day or even a week. It may take even longer, hence you have to remain committed and perseverent.

This is despite the fact that it may take you just a day or even hours to come up with a resolution. It is usually a process that starts with one step, leading you to the accomplishment of the ultimate goal.