Broken Resolutions

It's happening again! It's hardly three weeks into the New Year and I've already started breaking the resolutions I made! This makes me feel frustrated and guilty. What can I do?

Ruby: Every New Year that comes around seems to find us trying to start our life anew in many areas. We may write out new resolutions, promise ourselves to make huge and small changes, so we won't have the same regrets or disappointments as the years past. New Year's resolutions tell us something about our longing to constantly grow towards perfection.

Coral: Here are some steps that might help you:

1. Be realistic:
   The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to never eat your favorite desserts again could be a bad choice. Strive for a goal that is attainable.

2. Outline your plan:
   Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip the exercise class, or just have one more cigarette. This could include calling on a friend for help, or practicing positive thinking and self-talk

3. Make a "pro" and "con" list:
   It may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time, and ask others to contribute to it. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve.

4. Talk about it:
   Don't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better. The best-case scenario is to find yourself a buddy who shares your New Year's Resolution and motivate each other.

5. Reward Yourself:
   This doesn't mean that if your resolution is to diet you can eat an entire box of chocolates. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that you enjoy.

6. Track your progress:
   Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated.

7. Don't Beat Yourself Up:
   Obsessing over the occasional slip won't help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take them one at a time.

8. Stick to it:
   Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality.

9. Keep trying:
   If your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-February, don't despair. Start over again! There's no reason you can't make a "New Year's Resolution" any time of year.

Ruby: Always remember that all of us struggle to keep resolutions. You needn't feel guilty - will only have an adverse effect on your ability to keep your resolutions. Most importantly turn your plans over to the Lord. God is FAITHFUL and JUST, but most importantly GOD IS LOVE. This year lets TRUST the Lord to lead and guide us.

Whenever you feel like giving up read Psalm 32. Here's a verse from that Psalm to reassure you that God is with you: I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you (Ps 32:8)

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