Did you know that an estimated 100 million Americans are expected to create New Year’s resolutions in 2009?  That’s one out of every 3 Americans!  Were you one of them?

Just what is a “resolution” anyway?  According to the dictionary, a “resolution” is a formal expression or a decision to do something or to act in a specific way.  For most of us, a New Year’s resolution is a declaration of what we want to accomplish in the new year.  It’s also an implied statement that we’re not happy with how things worked out in the previous year.

According to Business Wire, the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for 2009 were:

1. Get out of debt or save money
2. Lose weight
3. Develop a healthy habit (like exercise or eating healthy)
4. Get organized
5. Spend more time with family and friends
6. Develop a new skill or talent
7. Work less, play more
8. Other / Miscellaneous
9. Break an unhealthy habit (like stop smoking or overeating)
10. Change employment

Where did your resolutions fit in?  Are your resolutions typical of what other Americans want?  I know mine are.  But here’s the critical question — what are you going to do to turn your New Year’s Resolution into a New Year’s Reality?

Saying you want to start exercising is one thing.  Getting out of bed and actually doing it is quite another  (I struggle with that every morning!).

There are a number of techniques you can use to help you turn your resolutions (or goals) into reality.  I’ve mentioned several in past posts.  But techniques are just that — techniques.  Before any kind of technique will work for you, you’ve got to really decide that your resolution is something you’re committed to achieving.  You’ve got to recognize that it’s going to take effort, time, dedication, and possibly money — and you’ve got to be willing to pay that price.

So take another look at your New Year’s Resolutions.  Make sure they’re really something you’re willing to work for.  If not, it’s OK to make changes.

Then once you’ve come up with a list you’re committed to, get to work turning your resolutions into reality.  Set a schedule.  Make a plan.  Get a buddy.  Do whatever you need to do to get started.  Take that first step, then the second, then the third, and continue on until it’s become a new habit, a new part of you.

I want you to make 2009 your year.  I want you to achieve all of your New Year’s Resolutions…and I want you to know that I’ll be there working on my resolutions right along side you!

Make it a great year!

Hiram
The Balanced Health Guy

Technorati Tags: new year, resolutiions, goals, weight loss, health, 2009, dedication, commitment

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