Happy New Year!
I don’t know about you, but each year, as we head into a new year, I become more thoughtful about things. I think about what lies ahead and how life will unfold in the next 12 months. I also think about what I can improve on in the coming year.
For a lot of us, these thoughts give way to making resolutions – especially about improving our health. We resolve to quit smoking, lose weight, eat healthier, cut stress, exercise more and so on.
Although we have the best of intentions, the truth is, a lot of those resolutions fizzle out in a month or so. In fact, only about 8% of people who make resolutions are successful. So, what do the successful 8% do differently? They:
1.) Have specific, attainable goals. A goal to “lose weight” is too vague. A goal to lose 50 pounds in three months is unrealistic. Being specific and realistic leads to progress.
2.) Have a plan and hold themselves to a schedule. Most resolutions are about changing habits. Structure and repetition goes a long way to changing a habit.
3.) Have an accountability partner. In the beginning, it’s easy to be Gung Ho, but weeks from now, when that wears off, a strong accountability partner will help keep you on track.
4.) Celebrate the small victories. Making changes requires patience. Celebrating the small victories will help you stay in it for the long haul.
Remember, it’s the small victories that turn into big results.
I want to thank each and every one of you for following my blog. You are the best accountability partners a guy could have. You help make me stronger every single week and I will not let you, or myself, down.
Here’s to a healthier New Year!
This Week’s O’Nealism:
“Some people say that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. I say it takes Determination, Commitment, and Discipline.”
