This is often a time to make new plans for the coming year.  Many people set resolutions to begin in the new year that have a repetitive theme.  Each year they start with a similar goal that starts off strong and dwindles as the year progresses.  Some resolve to "get in shape" so a membership is purchased to a health club or gym and a fitness routine is begun in earnest only to fall by the wayside due to loss of conviction or schedule conflicts.  Fitness clubs make a large part of their income on New Year's resolutions.  That is why I think it is important to do more than just make a resolution - one should plan it out.  I have heard it said many times that the beginning of the New Year is a poor time to make changes.  It is better to wait until the holidays are over and then begin once you are in your normal routine again.

Here are some key ideas to make a lasting resolution.

1. Make it visible. Write out your resolution and place it where it can be seen each day.
2. Write a full plan of what  you wish to change or accomplish.
3. Set reasonable goals and time frames.  Within that goal create stages to work toward the end goal. Write out start and end points for each stage required to meet it.
4. If your goal is to make a lifestyle change, be sure to create a plan that incorporates these changes into your daily life.  Adding to an already busy schedule can make for a short lived resolution.

The last idea to help you stick to your resolution is to tell others about what you plan to do come January 1.  It is harder to go back on something when others are aware of what you are trying to do.

With these ideas in mind I hope you have a healthy and Happy New Year and remember to let me know what your resolution is and I will tell you mine.  Then we can work together.

To good health.

Copyright (c) Dr. Mark Galloway DC and Dr. Grant Gainor DC, 2003, all rights reserved.