Why Even Bother to Make New Year’s Resolutions? Because You Are Worth it!

"Pat yourself on the back for each success, forgive yourself for each slip, but stick with it."

1.  Don’t be discouraged if you aren't perfect from the start.  

When you say that you’re going to do something or change something, especially if it is something you’ve never had the habit of doing before, don’t expect perfection. Resolve something doable and don’t be discouraged if you don’t do it perfectly.  Pat yourself on the back for each success, forgive yourself for each slip, but stick with it. 

2. Take one bite at a time.   

Do something small today, something small tomorrow, and the next day and the next and the next…It is amazing what you and I can do if we are persistent. The problem, habit or dream you are tackling may be big, but you can make it manageable by dealing with it one day at a time.

3.  Out of sight; out of mind; out of gas. 

Resolutions are no good if you don’t keep the idea in front of you.  Develop a way of keeping your goal in front of you every day.  Put it on your fridge, write it on your hand, send yourself a text – whatever it takes.  The point is that if you don’t keep your resolution in front of you, the pursuit of it will never become a habit.  Without habits, dreams never become realities. So find a way to remind yourself every day of where you have determined to go, but also the next step you have to take to get there.

4.  Make it simple, clear and compelling.   

Your Resolution may be small or big, easy or challenging.  Both are fine, but the important thing is to make it simple.  I suggest you write it down and keep writing it until you get it into one clear statement that fires you up and is easy to remember.  Not good at writing?  Ask a friend or friends to help you.  A Resolution is a mission that you want to accomplish.  Make sure your mission is so strong and clear that it makes you believe it and in yourself. This will help you stick with it on the hard days and through the tough times. 

Do you put yourself down all the time? Want to stop? TheHopeLine created this checklist for 10 ways to increase your self-esteem for a healthier self-image.