Make January a Practice Month

New year, new you! It’s all about resolutions. Statistics work both for and against you if you’ve made some. You can’t make a change if you don’t decide to do it, but less than half of the people who set New Year's resolutions stick to them.
 
Write Your Resolutions Down
 
Putting your intentions out there is an important part of making them a reality. Write them down and display them where you can catch a glimpse every now and then. Whatever you do, make sure to get them out of your head so they’re not just ideas.
 
Make a really clear action plan. What do you want? What do you need to do to get that? Maybe you want to “exercise more” so maybe “go to the gym four times a week” will be your action plan. Make technology your ally and set a recurring reminder. A quick tip: space the timing of these out later in the year. They’ll have less of an impact if you see them every day.
 

 
 
Somebody has to believe in you. Why not start with yourself?
 
Imagine you’ve already achieved your goals. Don’t you feel great? Every time a doubting voice tries to derail you, quiet the noise. Visualise your goal as a reality and focus your energy on making the small steps it takes to get there. Whatever you left behind no longer defines you.
 

 
Accountability
 
 

 
Humans are social creatures. Put some checks and balances on yourself by telling the supportive people in your life about your intentions. They may even have similar goals! A workout buddy is a great way to keep the momentum going on those days – or weeks, yikes! – when you’re going a little too easy on yourself.
 
Forgive Yourself
 

 
 
Did you slip up? That’s okay. Just don’t let your mistake become a habit again. Some people find it helpful to schedule time in advance for taking it easy. It might be helpful to have a cheat day for a diet, a (reasonable) splurge for saving goals, or a rest day for your exercise regime. Sometimes the best way to move away from the behaviour you want to change is with kitten steps and not a tiger pounce.
 
 
Yes, you’re being optimistic
 
And you should be! You’ve got this! Change is lots of little choices you make until they’re as natural as brushing your teeth every morning. You know what you want. You know what you need to do. Go get it! And keep doing what you know you need to do to keep it up. Good luck!