New Year's Resolution to Take Care of Yourself

If your resolution is to take better care of yourself, make sure that you have a mindset to accomplish your goals. Resolutions to lose weight or quit smoking that are too ambitious can be difficult to achieve.

Be realistic. Strive for a goal that is reasonable and attainable. Instead of resolving to never again eat the fattening foods you love, avoid them more often than you do now. Choose practical solutions that you will be allow you to succeed.

Outline a specific plan. If you decide to stop smoking, how will you deal with the temptation to have one more cigarette? Some possibilities could include calling on a friend for help or participating in a pleasurable activity instead. Practice thinking positive and visualize a healthier body - consider that you will cough less, breathe easier and be able to exercise more.

Talk about it. Don't keep your new goal a secret. Tell family members who can be there to support you. Enroll in a smoking cessation program or join a group. Find a friend who shares your resolve and continue to motivate each other.

Reward yourself. This doesn't mean to eat a box of chocolates if your goal is to diet. Celebrate your success by treating yourself to an activity that doesn't contradict your resolution. If you've been sticking to your promise to eat better, perhaps your reward is a movie with a friend.

As 2009 comes to a close, you may be reflecting on how challenging the past year has been. Want to begin the new year on a firmer footing? Click on the title of this post to read an article on HerMentorCenter.com about how to inventory your assets.