With New Years just around the corner, a lot of people are taking stock of what they’ve accomplished this year and what they want to achieve in the year to come.

Statistics show 40-45-% of Americans make one or more resolutions each year. Among the most popular New Year’s resolutions are resolutions to lose weight, resolutions to get fit, and resolutions to quit smoking and/or drinking.  The following table, taken from www.proactivechange.com shows how many resolutions are maintained over time:

- past the first week: 75%
- past 2 weeks: 71%
- after one month: 64%
- after 6 months: 46%

While less than half the resolutions are maintained past the 6 months mark, studies show making resolutions is still a good idea.   People who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t.

If you’re one of those people who has a hard time keeping resolutions, here are 5 tips that might help:

1. Be realistic. If you haven’t exercised in three years, increasing your exercise regimen to 5 times a week may be a bit unrealistic.  But 2-3 times might be a more attainable goal.
2. Tell the world!  Don’t keep your resolution a secret. The more you share it with others, the more accountable you will be.
3. Reward Yourself.  It’s important to celebrate your achievement by treating yourself to something you enjoy.
4. Keep Track of Your Success.  Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, say, focus on losing that first 5.
5. Use positive suggestions to motivate yourself. Self-hypnosis works great for this!  Please visit www.hypnoswitch.com for a free self-hypnosis manual.