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If you didn’t bother making a New Year Resolution, you are not alone.  A decreasing amount of people every year are taking the time to “resolve” to make any changes in their life, most likely we know from years of failing.  That’s not to say you and others are not looking to change and the beginning of the year is a natural time to try.  If you are like me, I do want to get healthier and lose weight, but I’m not putting it in the form of a resolution.  I guess if you can’t make ’em, you can’t break ’em?  So there has to be a better way, right?  Here are few “resolution solutions”:

– Rather than make a resolution, some people choose one word.  That word represents a focus for the year.  For instance, years ago I chose the word “present.”  I realized how easily I got disengaged when around my family at times (my phone, my work, etc getting my time and attention) or as my wife put it, “sometimes you are here, but really not here.”  So my goal was to be more “present” and engaged. 

– For some it’s just semantics.  Rather than have a resolution, they make a “goal.”  Resolutions seems to be black and white – you keep them or not.  Goals are somthing we can keep pushing and striving towards throughout the year.

– Make micro-resolutions.  Rather than one big one, try something each month.  For many, it’s easier to be consistent for a month, than an entire year.

The challenge with resolutions is we basically set ourselves up to fail and we do, we feel even worse.  So a good rule of thumb when it comes to change – focus on progress, not perfection.  Don’t beat yourself up when you fail or “fall off the horse,” rather just aim to be better and not perfect.

 

*Eric has his Masters in Counseling and when not on B105.7, he works as a private practice counselor.*

 

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