Why most New Year Resolutions Fail
By
Dr. Moshe Zloof
New Year Resolutions can be broken down into two major categories:
1. Resolutions to change ones bad habits, such as to stop smoking, drinking, or over-eating.
2. Resolutions to set positive goals and milestones: I want to get my degree; I want to start an exercise or running program.
For a resolution to be carried out successfully, one needs the following basic elements:
2. Resolutions to set positive goals and milestones: I want to get my degree; I want to start an exercise or running program.
For a resolution to be carried out successfully, one needs the following basic elements:
· Clear and strong incentives: clear incentives are the most important ingredient for success; to lose 20 lbs. if it guarantees a role in a movie is stronger incentive than wanting to lose 20 lbs. just to feel good.
· Will power: Strong incentives produce strong will power each time you need it during the process, such as exercising will power not to drink at a bar if you are trying to stop drinking.
· Visualization: To reinforce the will power always visualize the outcome of a successful resolution; if your goal is to run a marathon, then at difficult moments, visualize the feeling of elation as you cross the finish line.
· Commitment: You also need to commit the time, effort and expenses required to accomplish your goals.
· Program: For most serious resolutions you need to follow a clear and tested program, whether it’s a procedure for dieting described in a book, or joining a running group such as ‘San Jose Fit.’
Advice
· One resolution at a time: It was recently shown in psychological studies that that will power requires cognitive mental effort that affects one’s concentration and focus. Therefore you should concentrate on only one resolution at a time, preferably when on vacation. This is when the mind is relatively free of stress and capable of dealing with annoying temptations and disturbances.
· Take baby steps: It was also shown that will power, like falling in love, cannot be sustained for a long period of time. 95% of dieters who lose considerable amount weight in a short period regain it all back in a year’s time, because they lose their will power. You need to take baby steps and lose gradually, say 1 lb a month, or reduce one cigarette each week, so your system gets used to the new homeostatic state where will power is not needed all the time.
· Setbacks and relapses are ok: you have to realize that relapses are part of the process, and when that occurs don’t give up easily. Start again and learn from the experience.
· Seek positive feedback: And finally, seeking positive feedback from family and friends is important to refresh your incentives and will power, guaranteeing ultimate success!
Dr Zloof offers one-to-one coaching or group workshops using his unique techniques in MindVisualizer tm. One complimentary one-to-one coaching session or group session is available.
Dr Zloof offers one-to-one coaching or group workshops using his unique techniques in MindVisualizer tm. One complimentary one-to-one coaching session or group session is available.
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