1. Forcing oneself to start a new habit, presumably a good one, is hard. It dies down in a couple of weeks or maybe months. We, human beings don't like to be pushed to do something against our wishes.
2. Peer pressure makes us abandon our new found resolve, so called good habits, because every other person is doing the so called bad thing. And not doing it makes us an outcast. It is like you suddenly stop having a smoke or drink or junk food and then you feel out of place and are eventually ignored by others. After all, we are social animals, isn't it?
3. Bad days or high pressure times makes us revert back to old habits which supposedly gives a feeling of calm. Well that's true because the mindset hasn't changed or adapted to the new habit.
4. Most of the time we don't know ourselves or haven't carried out any introspection. Our strong and weak attributes and aspirations are lost in the daily grind of life. So, newly made promises don't find a solid foundation to build on.
I guess understanding the causes of failure to stick to a new resolution will help us to identify the measures to eradicate the root of the problem. Lets go through the possible remedies.
1. Look at the ultimate aim a new resolve is going to achieve. Visualizing the end point of the new resolve will, most likely, enable us to carry on with the new habit.
2. I have started to believe that resolutions made to self are something personal. Disclosing it to known ones may spoil the fun and may trigger a sub-conscious response that we are already onto the new resolve or have successfully achieved the aim. Let others see the results instead of the process. They will be pleasantly surprised and I bet, you will feel great too.
3. Read, read and read. Learning as much we can about a new resolution has proven to derive maximum success. Be it weight loss, healthy eating, working out, quitting drugs, better management or leadership skills, it pays to gain knowledge to make it a lifelong habit. Knowledge gives a different perspective and a clear idea about the usefulness of the new habit.
4. Not caring what others think about the new resolution goes a long way in preserving it. And why not? It's your life. Nobody can come and undo your losses or failures. It's you, who has to do all the effort.
I will really appreciate my readers if they can throw some light on tips to stick to new plans. After all, life is about improving our old self everyday, isn't? And yes, I will not disclose my 2013 resolutions to anyone, not even to my wife! But definitely, I would strive to be better this year and be good to the people and nature. Till then, be happy and keep exercising.
I guess understanding the causes of failure to stick to a new resolution will help us to identify the measures to eradicate the root of the problem. Lets go through the possible remedies.
1. Look at the ultimate aim a new resolve is going to achieve. Visualizing the end point of the new resolve will, most likely, enable us to carry on with the new habit.
2. I have started to believe that resolutions made to self are something personal. Disclosing it to known ones may spoil the fun and may trigger a sub-conscious response that we are already onto the new resolve or have successfully achieved the aim. Let others see the results instead of the process. They will be pleasantly surprised and I bet, you will feel great too.
3. Read, read and read. Learning as much we can about a new resolution has proven to derive maximum success. Be it weight loss, healthy eating, working out, quitting drugs, better management or leadership skills, it pays to gain knowledge to make it a lifelong habit. Knowledge gives a different perspective and a clear idea about the usefulness of the new habit.
4. Not caring what others think about the new resolution goes a long way in preserving it. And why not? It's your life. Nobody can come and undo your losses or failures. It's you, who has to do all the effort.
I will really appreciate my readers if they can throw some light on tips to stick to new plans. After all, life is about improving our old self everyday, isn't? And yes, I will not disclose my 2013 resolutions to anyone, not even to my wife! But definitely, I would strive to be better this year and be good to the people and nature. Till then, be happy and keep exercising.
I don't go for a yearly resolution...Mine will be daily!
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Village Girl
That's a good way to stick to resolutions.
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