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Monday, January 3, 2011
News Resolution tips, tricks and failure risks
Posted By Rhiannon Fionn-Bowman on Mon, Jan 3, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Isn't it annoying how as soon as you decide on your New Year's resolution you find out yours isn't all that unique and that everyone's betting you'll fail before the first week of January comes to an end? Sorry 'bout that, but the reality is the same resolutions pop up over and over again and most people don't keep them.
According to USA.gov, the top dozen New Year's resolutions year after year are, in no particular order: drink less, recycle more, quit smoking, lose weight/exercise more, get a better education or job, get out of debt, save money, manage stress, take a vacation and volunteer more.
Sound familiar? Those are all admirable resolutions, all worthy of being kept. And, there's no reason why you can't keep yours. So, here are a few tips and links to articles that can help you keep your promise to yourself:
Regardless of what your resolution is, take baby steps: Stages of Change: How to Keep a Resolution — Psychology.About.com
If you want to quit smoking, start with a pro-con list. Get real with yourself about what smoking means in your life. Check out more tips from SmokeFree.gov.
Ready to stop drinking? Find an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting here. Now, go.
For those who want to recycle more, I urge you to also think of ways to reuse old items, repurpose them and avoid buying new, overly packaged items to begin with. There are tons of websites and articles dedicated to reusing old items. Here's a list of 50 ideas to get you started.
For those looking to get their money situation under control in 2011, check out Mint.com. It's free, and the people who use it swear by its easy interface and simple goal-setting (and goal-keeping) methods.
Want to improve your education, get a new job or volunteer more? The only real answer here is to jump in. Charlotte is blessed with several higher education institutions, so pick one and make the call. Want a new job? Start by honing your resume, or paying someone to do it for you. Want to volunteer? Numerous nonprofits in Charlotte would love to have you volunteer for them. Find one that suits your interests and get started.
Ready to shed some weight and get fit? The secret is to exercise more and eat less, regardless of what you want to call your diet or how much you want to pay for it. Those of you who need some support in this endeavor, try a Weight Watchers meeting. Or, better yet, just start with your next decision. Every time you're hungry, choose a healthy option. And, look for ways to burn extra calories — clean the house, go for a walk, park at the back of the parking lot, play with your kids or pets. Oh, and turn off the electronics and get some sleep.
You can do this people. (I'm talking to myself, too.) Don't let the stats about people bailing on their resolutions, or any other detractors, sway you from your goal. A resolution is a promise you make to yourself to better your lot in life. Love yourself enough to keep it. And, remember: baby steps. As Buddhists say, if you keep walking in the right direction you'll eventually reach your goal.
And now, the New Year's resolution song for the cynics:
Rhiannon "Rhi" Bowman is an independent journalist who contributes snarky commentary on Creative Loafing's CLog blog four days a week in addition to writing for several other local media organizations. To learn more, click the links or follow Rhi on Twitter.
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