Keeping your resolution

Jody-Anne Lawrence, Gleaner Writer

'I want to have a healthier lifestyle for the new year.' People say this every year, but by January 31, the workout ends and we return to our best friends - chocolate and a whopper with cheese and bacon. We all make resolutions, but many of us fall off the wagon, so Outlook sought tips on how to stick with them.

Life coach and psychologist Olive Ellis said that we should consider this acronym - SMARTER - specific, measurable, attainable, relevant or realistic, time-bound, enticing and rewarding, when developing new year's resolutions.

"We should be specific about what we want to accomplish and it should be measurable. For example, how much time it will take, or what will it take, to accomplish these goals? What will you need to attain these goals? You need to set realistic expectations so you are not easily discouraged," explains Ellis. She adds that it's important to set a time span. Put a fun, 'enticing' element to it, so that it feels like less of a chore, and reward yourself at the end.

Ellis gave some pointers on how exactly we can accomplish these resolutions.

1. Have a vision

Know what you want and picture yourself as you would like to be. Imagine yourself happy and confident in that new way.

2. Set realistic goals

The reason why many persons are unable to keep resolutions is that they aim too high - the goals are just not realistic. Saying that you want to lose five pounds in three months is more realistic than saying you want to lose 50 pounds in one month.

3. Write down these goals

Write down the steps that you will need to take to achieve these goals. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, then you might need to develop a weight loss plan - change eating habits, exercise, etc.

4. Make an activity schedule

This will include things that you need to do daily. A day and time should be allotted to these activities. For example, Monday through to Friday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. - exercise. It is important that you stick to your schedule, though there will be times when you will have to break planned activities, but get back on track as soon as possible.

5. Be disciplined

It will not be easy to stick to your goals. It will not be a straight path, and there will be challenges and obstacles along the way. If you are not disciplined, you will be thrown off track. Remember, you are a human being, so it is natural to get discouraged and depressed when there is a setback or challenge. Do not abort the process. Continue. This is where self-discipline and perseverance will come in.

6. Believe in yourself

If you do not believe in yourself, who will? Look at yourself in the mirror every day and give yourself that self-talk, affirm yourself, telling yourself that you can do it.

7. Get support

It will be hard doing it on your own, so seek support from your family, friends, mentor, therapist, support group, or pastor. Getting the necessary support will help to lessen the burden and this will show that you are really serious about achieving your goals.

8. Enjoy what you are doing

You should not feel as if you are wearing an albatross around your neck. In other words, it should not feel like a burden. Enjoy pursuing your goal or goals, find ways to make it interesting and fun. Just keep thinking about how happy you will be when the goal is achieved.

9. Reward yourself

Reward yourself along the way and when you have achieved your ultimate goal.