Health and Wellness Blog

Here we go again… more broken new year's resolutions. Or perhaps you decided not to make any for this year? Whatever the case, let's examine why many of us don't succeed with our resolutions.

New year's resolutions are, plain and simple, GOALS we set to change something about ourselves. And because they are done just around the turn of a new year, we endow them with magical powers. But the 'magic' often doesn't last long. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology only 8% of us will succeed in achieving our new year's resolutions. Why is that you wonder?

Resolutions a.k.a. GOALS only work if they meet the basic criteria of realistic goal setting. In other words, successful goals have to be S.M.A.R.T.

Specific… Be specific.  Don't just say "I want to lose weight"…rather "I will lose 5 pounds"

Measurable… Establish measurable criteria."I will reduce calorie intake daily by… I will work out three times a week etc.,"      

Attainable… make your goals achievable and figure out how you are going about it

Realistic… your goal has to be relevant and meaningful to you to succeed

Timely… set a time limit within which you will achieve your goal  

Here is a video you can access online to help you set S.M.A.R.T. Goals. You will need a TPL library card to sign in. 

Another approach, as one reporter for the Huffington Post suggested, is to set 12 monthly goals instead of the one BIG ONE. Setting monthly goals is more manageable and allows for more variety. Check out their post for more tips.

For other helpful ideas, check out TPL's books on goal setting. Many are available in print and e-format. And remember you can set goals any time… no need to wait for the New Year!