1. Be clear as to why you want to accomplish this resolution. How will this resolution improve your life? What is your "why"? For example, how will losing 20 pounds improve your blood sugar levels? How will your life improve by having an exercise regimen and sticking with it?
2. Be specific as to how you are going to achieve the resolution. Is the goal realistic? Break things down into smaller manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to walk a mile every day, start off with 1/8 of mile and then work your way up as tolerated.
3. Write out a plan. Writing it out will help you focus and remember what you are going to do, how you are going to do it and why you are doing these steps. This helps reinforce your goal. For example, if your goal is to eat healthier, plan out your meals each day. Grocery shop with your plan in mind. Eating a serving of fruit along with your cereal might be a start. Or drinking 2 additional 8 ounce glasses of water each day to help with hydration.
4. Ask for support in achieving your goals. Having someone you trust to be your accountability partner will not only encourage you but help you stay on track with your program. This can be a trusted family member or friend, or a health care provider. For example, if you are going to exercise in a supervised setting such a cardiac rehabilitation, the staff will work with you to set and attain specific goals. Or walking with a friend can make the exercise more fun.
5. Keep track of your progress. Keeping a record of your progress gives you encouragement to stay the course. For example, today, many smart phones will track your steps if you are trying to get more walking into your program. Weighing yourself weekly will help you in your weight loss goal. And write down your progress and struggles in a journal.
6. Seek out inspiration. Knowing that others have been successful, such as weight loss, can be very encouraging. There are many books and articles, programs for weight loss, exercise programs and smoking cessation programs both in person and online today to help you in your goals, as well as trusted family members and friends to encourage you.
7. Forgive yourself when you back track. When you deviate from your set goals, forgive yourself and then start fresh the next meal or day. Don't let a slip up permanently derail your goals. Most goals take time to achieve, keep focused on the end goal.
8. Reward yourself with healthy rewards when you achieve special milestones.