Achieving your New Years Resolutions

So here we are in the third week of January 2011 (already!) and what of our New Years Resolutions? Do you have one? Several? Haven't really made one at all?
However seriously you as an individual take the whole New Years Resolution concept - I think we all enjoy the 'fresh start' feeling that a New Year can bring. And yet I'm sure it's pretty common for most of us that we find ourselves making the same 'New Years Resolution' each year.

So what's the hold up? Well, we have our romantic ideas of what we would like to achieve, but first we just need a little holiday time to switch off and clear the mind (just for the record, I think this is very important) but then before we know it, we're back to the daily grind and straight back into those old habits. It happens to the best of us.

Next question: Do you really want to make a difference in your life this year? Then you need to take some action. Just because we're already nearing the end of January, and you are back into full swing - or close to it (I know the kids are going back to school in two weeks or so) doesn't mean you have missed the boat and have to wait until next year!

Make a few notes - yes, write it down - about what you would like to achieve this year. There may be one big thing, or several small things or a mix of both but write it down. I know that's not new advice to anyone but there is a reason why you've heard it so many times - because it works! A good dose of goal setting might be just the thing to get you on your way. Once you have made your initial list, then you need to break down those goals and work out what tasks you will need to complete to reach the final destination. This is key - otherwise all you have are some vague goals listed but no clear way to achieve them.

Again, this isn't ground breaking information but hopefully the reinforcement helps! I myself avoided the whole writing down goals thing for a loooooong time, but once I finally did it properly, it really got the ball rolling and I found I was starting to complete the tasks and acheive the goals I'd set - and you know what a great feeling it is when that happens!

So, whether your resolutions involve; qutting smoking, getting fit, losing weight, going on an overseas holiday, learning a new language, starting a business, changing careers, doing the splits, being organised (thats my one), no more procrastinating (thats me too), developing more focus (me again), competing in a triathelon, participating in the City to Surf etc etc, spend some time working out the what and how  so you can get to where you want to be. And don't forget to ask for help whether it be a friend, family member, organisation, or, your always willing to help Personal Trainer - make sure to talk to them about what you need so you've got back up.

If nothing else, remember how good it feels to achieve something you never thought you would or simply the peace you have when you have completed something special you've been working on!

Good Luck x

Maree