Making resolutions for the New Year is the easy part. Sticking with them throughout the year, until they become habit is the difficult part.
Crystal Podger, a licensed professional counselor in Hickory, offers a few suggestions to keep your resolutions:
1. Put your resolutions in writing, and put the list where you can see it. You're more likely to stick with them if you see them every day. Podger suggests putting your resolutions in your daily planner, on the refrigerator or on the bathroom mirror.
2. Schedule time each day to implement your resolutions. If you resolve to eat better, devote time each day to food preparation. If you want to get in shape, dedicate a portion of each day to exercising.
3. If you mess up, it's OK to forgive yourself.
"Most people beat themselves up if they mess up," Podger said. "If you fall off the wagon, just keep right on going. It's OK. Allow yourself one cheat a week."
4. Tell your friends or family about your resolutions. They can become your support network. Even if your friends don't have the same resolutions that you do, they can provide encouragement for your resolutions, and can provide the motivation you need to stick with them.
5. Allow yourself time for your resolutions to become habits. Podger said it takes about three weeks to establish a routine, so allow at least that long for your new resolutions to become a natural part of your life.
Crystal Podger is a counselor at Benfield and Podger in Hickory. She has practiced for 19 years. She is a licensed professional counselor, and is a certified brain injury specialist-clinical instructor.
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