Are you setting New Year's resolutions?

The start of the new year brings out the "thinking cap" for giving ourselves a reset or a fresh start - a resolution, if you will.

The craze around New Year's resolution are often met with passive intentions or incomplete objectives. Do you really know what, when, why, how you want to lose weight, exercise more, quit smoking, save money, learn something new, or spending time with family??

New Year's resolutions can be effective if properly planned.

1.) Start by giving yourself some kudos for what you have done already, that has added value to your life. Was it a successful struggle, are you proud of those actions, what or who helped you through it.

2.) Determine what areas of your life you want to see the most change and which areas would be of greater benefit to change.

3.) Imagine yourself achieving those changes. The more detail, the better!

4.) Record those details and ask yourself, how did I get there. What did I do that made the change happen. Ex. Get enough sleep: set bedtime alarms, read a book in bed, wore a sleep mask, established a nighttime routine, etc.

5.) Now, breakdown that process by creating small, manageable steps to get to that point! Set deadlines to track your progress.

If you have followed these steps, you have set yourself up for a more successful New Year's resolution. This is not a set it and forget it deal. Create the plan and make it happen! Don't you feel more prepared?!