Forty-four percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. I should know, since I always do.
In fact, I’m more inclined to make resolutions than ever, because if my happiness project has convinced me of anything, it has convinced me that resolutions — made right — can make a huge difference in boosting happiness.
So how do you resolve well? This is trickier than it sounds. Here are some tips for making your resolutions as effective as possible.
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couldn’t agree more – particualrly with the start small, make a concrete plan and find a way of being accountable. (Some research by University of Dominican here: http://wp.me/p1GAv4-Gz )
I think the other things to remember are: the goals don;t have to be not all or nothing, and don’t let any setbacks snowball. If you can bounce back from any slip-ups then you can continue on the path to achiving your goals.
Resolutions are indeed the hardest nut to crack.
At the start of this year 2011, I pointed out what would make me happier. I started taking small small steps.
Like, I resolved that I’d not have unnecessary arguments with my spouse, so, every time we had a conversation, I focused on hearing him out rather than bombarding him with my opinions even before he could articulate his thoughts into words. So, for few months I really had to concentrate & at times it was tough to control myself from arguing, but now it has become a habit to remain calm during handling issues with him & our relationship improved so much & he also changed his attitude towards having a conversation with me, which makes me happier. I changed myself to have the changes around me, it payed off pretty good.
The others were to get a good result for my semester. So, I focused not on how long I study, rather to how much I study. So, I progressed & result came out few days ago, strangely I came the topper, which was over the top & beyond expectation.
I like to set small small goals rather than long term goals. It keeps my hopes high. Like, if I want something to be done in life, I go through the possible steps, list them out, then I set those in-between steps to be the small goals to achieve along the line.. This has worked wonders for me.
This post itself was very inspiring. “Being Specific to set goals” was finer detail which I’ll incorporate in my own process. It was of much help. I’m obliged.
Happy new year.
Excellent suggestions…..thank you, and I hope it’s a good year for all.