True New Year Resolutions

The new calendar year isn't too far distant. I specify calendar year because I've begun setting New Year’s resolutions in October. This is the month that I was born, so it is the beginning of my personal year. Really any time is a good time to set goals. Why wait for the beginning of a new day, week, month, or year? We can choose any time to make a change.

There is no better time to start than when we recognize or feel the desire to change. How many times have you really felt excited about making a change and thought to yourself “That’s a great idea, I’ll start on that first thing tomorrow”? Then tomorrow comes and some of the excitement has faded or since it was something new you forgot it because it was outside your normal routine.

It’s alright to wait for a new calendar year to make life improving goals but some have found it helpful to start planning months before the start of a new year and even to start working on achieving them so it is already part of their routine by the time the new year starts. This method also allows for adjustments to be made before the start date.

However and whenever you decide to make changes here are some ideas that may be helpful:

• Keep goals positive.

• Write goals down and review them regularly.

• Rather than just stopping something, replace it with something positive.

• Tell others about your goals so they can help keep you motivated and accountable.

• Remember that goals can be adjusted after they have been set.

• Reward yourself and celebrate successes (no matter how small)

Above all remember the fortune cookie advice to, "Keep your goals away from the trolls".