[...] It doesn’t have to be January 1 in order for you to begin to make changes in your life. As with every important transition that you want to make, the best time to start is now. [...]

Those resolutions all sound terrific (Poor Hunter ha ha kidding. I’m sure you’ll continue to be a wonderful mom)

Good luck with all of your resolutions!

@Kirsty – You’re just like Lisis, Kirsty!

That’s sound delicious (making me hungry over here). Your family is very lucky to have a mother and wife like you.

Congratulations to you on achieving your resolutions – I’m sure your life is awesome because of it. You have a great week as well

1. Try 10 new flavors of Ben & Jerry’s.
2. Learn some really cool new hobby.
3. Buy myself a book from my amazon wish list.
4. Travel to any city where I can meet up with a friend.
5. Torture Hunter with daily hugs and kisses.

I don’t think I’ve ever failed at keeping my resolutions. I am one dedicated and seriously disciplined person.

Each year for the last 2-3 years I have said that I want it to be the year of…. where I try the whole year (not every day) to do whatever.

For example. Last year was the year of looking after myself. This meant getting more active (I took up soccer) and generally trying to be healthy.

This attitude carried on to this year which was the year of good eating (for our family). I still play soccer (now futsal because soccer is finished for the season) and we eat really well.

Don’t get me wrong, it is not all health food, but GOOD food. Really nice food to eat. Salmon smothered in spinach and pinenuts, wrapped in puff pastry, complimented with roast potatoes, honey carrots and broccoli – yum!!!

If I look back over the last few years, then I can say that I have achieved my resolutions – especially when my hubby tells me that we eat really well!

Have a great week,
Kirsty

I’ll also try out your tips to stop my incessant complaining habit. It even annoys me sometimes

@Srinivas – Personalize your goal, even your resolution, and you’ll be sure to achieve it. Thanks for your insights, man.

@Bunny – Nice one, Bunny. Very clever. Thanks for sharing your insights

@Steven – Ah yes, back to the 9-5. I don’t plan on getting a job, but yeah, I guess a resolution serves some purpose. Thanks, man.

@Lex – Hey Lex! Welcome to the blog!

I see what you mean. I myself would set them just it really seemed like the right thing to do. In reality, I was making a resolution at all – just a blind promise that somewhere in my heart, I knew I wouldn’t follow through with.

Your dilemma to quit smoking is a pressing one. Indeed, it will take a mountain of effort on your part, but I believe you can do it. It just takes constant effort, a plan, and a little bit of luck.

By the way, death and fear aren’t motivators. Just because someone lists the negative effects on a box, it won’t be enough to deter the addiction. What you need to focus on are the benefits to yourself – your own personal life. In your opinion, what will be better after you completely quit. Visually explore the experience in your head. Play it over and over until it sticks. If you hit another wall, play it again until you can get over that wall.

You can quit smoking, but just believe that you can (by envision a better life without the cigarettes) and you’ll make achieving your goal that much easier.

Thanks for stopping by, Lex. Come back soon, okay?

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head here. I think the reason most people make such grand resolutions, is because they have already set themselves up to fail. Because of the huge stigma surrounding New Years resolutions, no one actually expects you to follow through. By stating a resolution, most people can prove that they are aware of what they need to change and that right there is a step.

I don’t think anyone can make a change unless they truly want to. I’m struggling to quit smoking, because I just don’t want to. I know the negative effects, and yet I continue to spend $7.00 on a pack every few days. I’m guilty of waiting for something to give me a reason to change my habits. And when I find a motivating reason, it will be so much easier to quit.

Great article, keep it up!

So you can look at it as 12 parts to a resolution or 12 goals. It works!

Oh about your complaining:

Stop complaining for 3 weeks. When you catch yourself start your 3 weeks over again.

What you will notice is we complain about the same stuff over and over (ie gas). You’ll also notice how often you complain.