Keeping
a New Year's resolution may depend on following three simple steps, says Dr. Bernard
Davidson, a family psychologist at the Medical College of Georgia Health System. Here
are the steps: - Be committed. You must think through what you want to
change and commit yourself to the long-term process it usually takes to achieve
change. You then need to come up with a realistic plan to help you reach your
goals, Davidson said in a statement. For example, if you want to shed some pounds,
create a weight-loss schedule and an achievable diet and exercise plan. If your
family and friends are supportive, tell them about your goals. They can provide
encouragement and reinforce your commitment to change. If necessary, seek professional
help to assist you.
- Be prepared for setbacks. Don't think of
them as complete failures, don't dwell on them, and don't let them make you give
up your goals. After a setback, try to get back on track to reach your objective.
Plan ahead on how you'll deal with setbacks. For example, if you do have a cigarette
when you're trying to quit, your plan may include calling a supportive friend
to talk about it. Or you may want to review all the reasons you listed for wanting
to stop smoking and why reaching that goal will make you happy.
- Track
your progress. Motivate yourself by celebrating your successes and by getting
positive feedback from supportive family and friends. A good approach is to evaluate
yourself every week or two weeks. However, don't over-monitor yourself by doing
a self-assessment every day. That's just likely to end in frustration. Don't compare
yourself to others. Accomplish your goal in a way that's best suited to you.
Credit:http://www.womenshealth.gov/news/english/600330.htm Office
on Women's Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services --
Robert Preidt
SOURCE: Medical College of Georgia Health System, news release,
December 2006
id=600330
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