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Resolutions are all over the place. I'm not sure why, but it seems like people are talking about them in greater numbers this year than usual. (Is it because people are going public with their resolutions more so than in years past? Or am I just paying more attention?)
If you're serious about making a change (or multiple changes) in your life, it's really hard to use the excuse that you don't have enough information or resources to make it happen. These tips have been repeated all over the place: Set definite time frames to get things done. Make your resolution as specific as possible. Try doing only one thing at a time. Write your resolution down and post it in plain sight, so you're constantly reminded of what you need to do. Hold yourself accountable.
The reason I'm such a big fan of accountability is because I am also a procrastinator. If I don't want to do something, and it doesn't have to be done right then, it's very easy for me to talk myself out of it. That's why, rather than making a new list of all the stuff I'd like to accomplish in 2008, my personal resolution is to complete at least four things per month from my 101 Things list. There's still so many things remaining that I need to get to, I know I'll be able to find plenty of stuff to keep me busy.
Accountability is important because, without it, most of the time you're the only one who knows that you're not doing what you set out to do. This is why some people who resolve to work out enjoy going to the gym with a friend, or setting up a definite time to go for a walk with a group. If you don't show up, they know about it, and if they're good friends they'll mention it and make you feel just guilty enough to show up on time for the next appointment.
I hold myself accountable to completing 101 Things by posting a monthly update of what I've been able to check off in the past month. I said in the very beginning that I would do this, and I've continued to do so every month for the past year.
If you want to keep your resolutions (instead of joining of the majority of people who give up in the first few weeks after New Year's) why not make a commitment to tell other people how you're doing? It could be a single friend who you trust to continue checking in with you, if that works best. But if you have a blog, you have an advantage because you already have the public forum you need to begin.
If one of your resolutions is to do something healthy every day, why not make a commitment to write that on your blog? "I didn't eat any junk food all day" or "Today I went for a 40-minute bike ride." If you don't post it, you'll have a big blank space -- and hopefully someone will say, "Hey, what's up? What did you do today that's good for your body?" Accountability is why contestants on programs like The Biggest Loser are able to lose so much weight in a short period of time. They're accountable to the trainers, the producers, the cameras, to all the people who will be watching at home. This might result in a lot of pressure, but sometimes we need that kind of pressure if we want to kick ourselves into mobility.
I think this resolution by Charming, but single is probably easier said than done, but I still like it.
I resolve to pause before buying (or consuming) anything (yes, fatty foods included) and ask myself, “Am I buying this to fill some imaginary void in my life or satisfy some fleeting emotion?” If so, I will put it down.
Among other things, LJ wants to cut back on her soda consumption.
Give up, or at least scale back, the amount of Diet Coke I'm inhaling and instead substitute the fabulous FREE bottles of water sitting around our office. (See, not only is it better for me with all the walking one does in the city, but it's a money saver!)
(One thing I might suggest -- why not use a refillable water container? On top of being a money saver,
