At the first of the year millions of people will begin their New Year’s Resolutions.  It is the time for new beginnings!  Despite all of the hype, most people fail.  So what can we do to help us increase the likelihood of our resolutions to become permanent positive changes in our lives?

One reason why most people give up on their resolutions so quickly is because they become disappointed when the results don’t come as quickly as they want, or they find that the changes are not making them any happier.

Making life-style changes requires a constant personal control and commitment.  It is also common that life-style changes also come with physical discomfort.  For example, changing your diet or quitting smoking can result in extreme cravings or withdrawals.

Set realistic goals for yourself.  In order for life-style goals to stick for a life time, change gradually.  Start by eliminating one bad thing and when that gets easier, eliminate something else, ect.  If you try and drastically change everything overnight you might have success for a short time, but it will be short lived.  So start small and move forward gradually to have the best chance of success.

Focus more on the life-style change than the end goal.  If you want to lose weight, don’t focus on the specific number of pounds the scale says that you lost that day, focus on sticking to your sensible choices.  Focusing on your behavior will give you control of your life.  You will gain satisfaction from making good choices several times a day.

Allow for mistakes.  No one is perfect.  You should expect to give into temptation from time to time, but don’t use this as an excuse to give up.  Start fresh the next day, learn from your mistake and move on.

It is almost never convenient to make life-style changes, but if you begin now rather than later you will be on your road to a healthier happier life in 2012!

So Eat, Move and Think a little better Every Day!