New Years resolutions have always been some what of a personal grey area. I have never figured out if I want to set a resolution, or even much less keep it! Yet, I have always admired the people who have actually stayed true to their promise and gone after what they wanted. What is it about New Years that makes people want to set a goal that they know will most likely be dropped by the time February rolls around? Even stranger yet, how is it that some of these goals work and these lucky fellows actually get what they are working towards?
In my personal opinion, the cons to setting a New Years resolution would be what is the point of setting something you know you will forget about in a few months? I have had many times where I have set a resolution and then a month later I think, “Oh shoot! I need to get on that resolution” even though a month has already passed. I also find that it gives people a “valid” excuse to put off that diet or that habit for a couple more months until the New Year finally rolls around the corner. This causes me to think that it is used more as a tool of procrastination rather than a tool of self discipline. From what I have observed, it creates this way of thinking to where people feel like they are really doing something to work towards their goal just because they set a resolution for the year to come. I think it makes them feel that they are getting a head start by setting a start date, it's the perfect cheat. They might tell themselves that they will get to the resolution later, it'll be better to start it in the new year, this way they can keep going ahead and doing what they want to until then! This is also better known as procrastination, a predator to us all, especially including me!
How do you combat this nasty monster? It is really easier than you think! Set a goal, and START IT! Trust me, I know its hard. I struggle with this just as much as anyone else. What I believe is a key to overcoming this, that has worked extremely well for me, is having someone to hold you accountable. Tell them your goal, and let them banter and bug you if you don't get up on your feet and complete it. You could even go a step further and tell them that if you don't complete whatever goal you have set for yourself, you owe them something! Another big key is to believe in yourself. If you don't believe in yourself, nothing will be achieved. You must find the willpower to do well and be your own cheerleader.
Now that you know what it takes, get up and go after it! You have nothing to lose, and one day, you may be thanking yourself.
