Do you believe in New Year's resolutions?
Some don't, thinking that people do not have to wait for the new year to change.
But according to psychcentral.com, the mere act of making a list is a manifestation of the desire to become a better person.
American success coach Nona Jordan said, "The fact that people keep making resolutions even when they don’t always follow through ultimately means that they have hope and a certain level of belief in their ability to change, and be more of who they really want to be."
Dr. John Duffy, a psychologist, seconded, "Most of us have a natural bent toward self-improvement. [A New Year's resolution] gives us time and a goal date to prepare for the change, to fire up for the shifts we plan to make."
HOW DO YOU FULFILL YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS?
Don't just write the things you want to change. Include the things you can do to be successful at changing them.
Start by asking yourself, is your goal even feasible?
FORM NEW HABITS
According to Forbes magazine, start with the little things you can do to achieve a particular goal. Be specific.
If you're eyeing "balik alindog," list down the exercises and the number of reps you must do each day.
If you want to spend less and save more, cross out some items from your monthly expenses.
Psychcentral.com added, "If you were to take the habits listed above and compound them by only one percent each day, in one year, you would have improved each habit roughly 37 percent."
"NEVER MISS TWICE"
Part of the strategy is to form a habit, so "never miss twice."
Forbes.com explained, "The rule of thumb is that when you fail, you get back on the horse immediately, so that you never miss twice.
"It’s ok to miss one workout this week, but don’t you dare let it extend to two or three."
CHOOSE PEOPLE YOU HANG OUT WITH
Let the people around you help reinforce the good habits you want to keep.
For instance, if your New Year's resolution is to quit smoking, then being with non-smokers may help you avoid the temptation to smoke.
According to medicalxpress.com, "Quitting smoking is one of the top resolutions people make to improve their health."
Steven Sussman, a professor of Preventive Medicine and Psychology at the University of Southern California, said, "If you are a smoker, the company you keep can affect your temptation for smoking.
"Hanging out with non-users as much as possible, drinking lots of water every day for a couple of weeks, doing some exercise and actually trying to learn relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation may help."
MAKE FLEXIBLE TARGETS
Again, go for achievable goals.
Lorraine Turcotte, a professor of biological sciences, told medicalxpress.com: "It might be easier to maintain a positive attitude if your goal is to lose five to ten pounds, as opposed to having a specific goal of ten pounds."
"The less specific you are about how much weight you aim to lose, the more likely you will reach your weight loss goal."
As an additional tip, she also said, "Choose an activity that you like. Maintenance of an exercise program is linked to the enjoyment of the activity.
"So, if you like dancing, take a dance class. Try to include friends and family in your activities, which will improve your chances of maintaining an exercise routine."
Ready for 2020? Happy new you!