Tip #1: Find the problem
"Those of us who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it," goes a well-known saying. Nothing could be closer to the truth when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. If you don't understand what went wrong with your last resolution, there's nothing stopping you from repeating the same mistake.
One common mistake is being overambitious -- for example, expecting to be in super shape within just a few months, or cutting out all excess spending from your budget.
Another reason for failure could be drained willpower. A growing stack of research shows that putting a lot of willpower into one task means there’s less left over for another task. For example, moms who have to maintain an upbeat tone at work may have trouble remaining calm when telling their youngsters to put away their toys for the tenth time. No wonder they fall off the resolution wagon.
Tip #2: Make a better plan
After diagnosing the problem with your old plan, you can make a new and better plan that is more realistic. If your resolution is to stick to a fitness program, make that program doable; aim, for example, to jog three days a week instead of seven. If your resolution is to live within a budget, don't forget that you're bound to make some impulse purchases every now and again. Just minimize the temptation and don't shop when you're drained from a hard day at the office or a long day with the kids.
Page 1 of 2 -- Learn how aiming for smaller goals can make your larger New Year's resolutions easier to achieve on page 2
