Tips on How to Make New Year's Resolutions

We all know about New Years resolutions - those commitments we make to change our bad habits or lifestyle. Millions of people around the world will attempt to complete this venture with very bold and hastily-decided resolutions. Chances are that most people who make a resolution will break it. They need to take into consideration what they are really getting themselves into.

A Noo Way to Make Your New Years Resolutions:

Many of us often fail in our resolutions and we often forget what they even were after a few weeks of the new year have passed. So at noo we decided to address that problem this year, and created a little Facebook application for our friends to encourage us or tell us to 'get real' with our resolutions and commitments. Make a new years resolution on Facebook and stick to it this year!

Here are some quick facts, tips and links to help you make your New Years resolutions. If you're looking for our event listings visit New Years Eve events.

New Years Resolution Facts:

• 40 to 45% of American adults make one or more resolutions each year.
• 63% of people are keeping their resolutions after two months.
• 67% of people make three or more resolutions.
• Top four resolutions:
  • Increase exercise
  • Be more conscientious about work or school
  • Develop better eating habits
  • Stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs (including caffeine)
• People make more resolutions to start a new habit, than to break an old one.
• Those who make it past…
  • the first week: 75%
  • past 2 weeks: 71%
  • after one month: 64%
  • after 6 months: 46%

Figures from about.com and proactivechange.com

9 New Years Resolution Tips:

• Be Realistic : Don't try to set a goal that is too drastic or unattainable. Making a resolution that you have been unable to achieve for years is not a wise idea either. Most likely you will end up disappointed. Instead, you should alter it to make it more realistic. For example, instead of losing 30 lbs, aim for 15.
• Plan Ahead : If you wait until Dec. 31, your resolution will most likely be based on your mind set that day or what is bothering you at that moment. It is best to really think about what commitments you want to make and keep.
• Talk About It : Let people know the goal you're setting for yourself. Having a support group of friends and family for encouragement will keep you going when the going gets tough. Also, you might find someone who is pursuing the same resolution as you. Together the two of you can embark on the resolution so you don't have to do it alone.
• Reward Yourself : You can still have some treats along the way. If you are going on a diet, it is still okay to eat some chocolate or a piece of cake every now and again. As you reach certain milestones, reward your progress.
• Keep Track of Your Progress : For large goals, you want to make tiny goals along the way, so it will seem less intimidating . Therefore, you can see yourself making progress. Be sure to monitor yourself, and the more feedback you get, the better you will do.
• Don't Beat Yourself Up : It's okay to slip a couple times. Nobody is perfect. Just remember to get back on track.
• Focus on One Issue : Take the most pressing resolution at hand and concentrate on that. Nobody can make several big changes in their life simultaneously. That will usually ensure failure across the board. If you have 3-4 resolutions, you will be spreading yourself too thin.
• Take Time to Reflect : Think about what you really want and where you want to go with your life and resolution. We are already at a disadvantage trying to make a commitment to something we feel we NEED to do compared to what we really WANT to do.
• Visualize Yourself Making the Change : The mind is a very powerful part in the process. Resolutions like dieting and exercise are not only hard physically, but mentally as well. We need to take the time to relax and be calm to think about our choice and the game plan to get there.

"Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality."

Before you commit to that bold resolution, why not celebrate at one of thousands of New Years Eve parties around the country : New Years New York, New Years Miami, and New Years Las Vegas.

Useful New Years Resolutions Links

Top 10 New Years Resolutions - About.com
How to Keep your New Years Resolutions - eHow.com
Tips for Making Good New Year's Resolutions - MyGoals.com
Why do we have difficulty keeping our New Year's resolutions? - UofT Professor, Gary Latham