New Year's Resolutions

My husband, David, started his sermon this morning with some interesting facts about New Year's resolutions.  A survey of 300,000 people determined the top 10 resolutions for 2017.  It appears that 45% of Americans make one resolution or more and of those 75% let it go by the end of the first week. In 6 months only 45% of the remaining 25% stayed with the resolution.  Many people try and fail and keep trying with 17% succeeding after 6 attempts.  Of the top 10 resolutions the #1 resolution was weight loss/get in shape.  If you are considering a New Year's resolution consider the following:

#1.  Motivation is key.  Somewhere in your being discover your reason for a change.  Dig deep!

#2.  Write down your goal.  Without writing it down a goal is only a wish!

#3.  Remember SMART.  This acronym has lead many before you in the right direction.

• A goal needs to be SPECIFIC to be attainable.  I want...
• It needs to be MEASURABLE.  Decide how you will measure your success.
• A goal needs to be ATTAINABLE.  Start small and don't set yourself up for failure.
• RESULTS will be part of your success.  How will you recognize your results.
• From day one establish your TIME frame.  Will it be 6 days or 6 weeks?

#4.  Think about  your coping strategies.  It will get tough.  What will you have in place to get over a rough patch?

#5.  Get support.  Don't try to do it alone. A good friend will help you stay on track as you tackle your challenge.

#6.  Perseverance.  Change is hard.  Hang in there!

Resources: www.hr.virginia.edu/uploads/documents/media/Writing_SMART_Goals.pdf