keeping your new year's goals

Did you make a New Year’s resolution this year? If so, have you stuck to it for the last 3 weeks? That’s right, it’s been exactly 3 weeks since New Year’s Day and statistics show that nearly 80% of people “forget” all about their resolutions after 3 weeks! If you make up this 80%...don’t be too hard on yourself; it happens to the best of us! However, if you are serious about your New Year’s goals, look for ways to make it easier to succeed, and therefore achieve your resolutions. Here are some ideas:

If you resolved to eat more healthfully in 2010, collect simple, healthy recipes into a recipe binder or box. Pull out your recipes for meal ideas when you prepare your grocery list. You could also reorganize your pantry or refrigerator to keep the healthiest food options at eye level and in sight. And use clear containers for your healthy leftovers.

If you resolved to exercise more, it would help to reorganize your schedule to allocate a specific time for exercise. Then, lay out your exercise clothes at night to serve as a simple, visual reminder to follow through on your intentions.

If you resolved to get more organized this year, divide your projects into smaller, manageable segments. For example, instead of organizing your child’s entire bedroom at once, schedule mini sessions. Tackle one drawer or shelf each day.

The bottom line is this. Simple changes in how you organize things—your physical space, your time, or your approach to a large project—can make it easier to take action on your resolutions. And after all, the easier something is to do, the more likely you are to do it!