Forget New Years Resolutions – Make Determinations Instead

It is that time of year again when we vow to stop smoking, lose weight, go to the gym and never consume chocolate or alcohol or carbs ever again. And how miserable to we feel making those resolutions? And how long do they last? Exactly!

How about making determinations instead? Determinations allow you look ahead and feel positive and they give you something much more constructive to aim towards. Maybe this is the year when you will make a career change, start a business or learn to dance the Argentinean tango! Doesn’t that make you feel a lot more excited? Now you can offset the winter gloom and feel energized as you take those initial fledgling steps towards your goals.

It is a good idea to write down your determinations. Not only does putting them on paper seem to increase your commitment to taking action towards them but it also helps at times when your activity levels start to flag. It is natural that you will have bursts of enthusiasm for your determinations and times when they seem to go by the wayside. By writing them down you can return to them at any point throughout the year and start to take constructive action towards them again.

Once you have decided what you want for the year (and written it down) think of three simple things you can do towards them this week. Now do those things and you are on your way!