New Year's Resolutions

The tradition of New Year's Day resolutions dates back to the early Babylonians. They believed that what a person does on the first day of the new year will affect what they do throughout the year.

Oscar Wilde wrote: "A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.'' It's true; statistics confirm that almost 97 percent of New Year's resolutions are never fulfilled. Even so, some 40 to 45 percent do use New Year's Day to make resolutions and set goals. Are you one of them?

While many may eventually ditch their resolutions, statistics show that setting goals is valuable. Research shows that 75 percent do make it past the first week; 46 percent make it past the six-month mark. I was surprised to find that last number was that high!

Those who make a meaningful resolution are more likely to achieve their goals than those who make no commitment at all. Explanations of failure: Most people don't expect to keep a resolution while others don't know how to set and keep goals. I find the SMART technique to set goals fun and easy to use. You might want to check it out here.

Success is too important to be left to chance. It begins with a plan. You will achieve more working towards goals with a simple plan of action. By investing your efforts into a new year's resolution, you give yourself a launch pad for creating change in the new year. So start your resolutions with a list; it's not too late. And isn't making a list fun?

Now, when you review your list, be realistic. You might want to only select one resolution. Make sure it's the most important. Sometimes, selecting more than one just might sidetrack you. Be inspired by the Jar of Time.

And focus on fulfillment. Convert your resolution into a plan for the entire year. Recognize the risk, effort and perseverance required and be flexible. Make yourself accountable to someone just in case your determination weakens.

Lastly, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Reward yourself, set milestones and remember, developing or changing a habit is like : Give it time and peanuts:)

If you'd like to share your resolution here, go ahead! It will most certainly inspire others:)

Take care,

Patricia Wood
VerreDesign
http://www.verredesign.etsy.com/


PS: I've been working on some new jewelry designs and start listing them either today or tomorrow, so check out my Etsy Shop once in a while!