With New Year’s just a few weeks behind us, the excitement and enthusiasm we may have had to change in 2012 is probably already wearing off. It is for me at least, so I find myself wondering, are new year’s resolutions really worth it? After doing a little research, I realized that overwhelmingly the number one most common resolution is either “getting fit” or “losing weight”. Like many, I, too, am hoping to get in better shape in 2012 but like previous years, after the first few weeks of unwavering dedication I find myself slipping back into my old gym-less routine.

Alright, so at least I’m not in denial. But, how do we overcome this resolution plateau? Here are a few tips to sticking with your resolution (whether it is to get fit or not!).

Be realistic and set an attainable goal.
Or, readjust your goal to be more achievable. Let’s be honest people, getting your dream body probably isn’t going to happen overnight. I’m not saying that having a overall big goal isn’t worthwhile, but instead break up your goal into smaller more attainable goals that will lead to this larger goal. In my case, my goal of ‘getting fit’ is not very tangible, right? My fix: every week I’m going to focus on “shaping up” a different part of my body. The first week of January, I made a goal of doing 10 push-ups a day. Not a huge goal, but an attainable one. The second week of January, I did push-ups everyday (15 now) and started doing 10 lunges each day.

Every morning, the first thing I do when I wake up is roll off my bed, onto the floor and into the push-up ready position. I may not be dropping major poundage but I am getting more toned arms and I feel proud that I’m actually sticking to my goals. Cheers for a self-esteem boost!

Pick a time everyday to dedicate toward your goal(s).
Literally, pencil in “New Year’s resolution time” on your iPhone, Droid, Blackberry, Blueberry (kidding!) or whatever and stick to it. If you are anything like me, you will do anything to avoid working out (or completing your resolution) but schedule it in, making it concrete, it is much more difficult to “forget”. You don’t have to block off five hours a day but making time for just thirty minutes to work on your resolution will make a huge difference. I like to do things in the morning but if are a five-time snooze button offender everyday, try for your lunch break, before supper or whenever works best for you. Just make a schedule and stick to it.

Last but not least, the most important New Year’s Resolution Rule!

Never forget why you made this resolution.
I’ve learned that motivation is key when it comes to resolutions. When you don’t want to hit the gym or when the McDonald’s drive-thru is calling your name, stop for a second and remember why you wanted to change in 2012. I’m resolving to get fit because I had to go to the hospital three times in 2012 and really don’t want to have a repeat year in 2012. Getting healthy and staying that way is invaluably more important to me than any dessert (although it’s sadly close).

Write your motivations and goals on post-its, stick them on the refrigerator or next to your bed or even on the mirror to help remind you why this resolution is important and how sticking to your goal will change you for the better. Ultimately, YOU are the only thing stopping you for completing your goals and YOU are the only thing that will allow you to accomplish them. Believe in yourself and get going! 2012 isn’t going to wait for you!

So are New Year’s Resolutions worth it? I’ll leave that one up to you. Resolutions are what you make of them and hopefully with these tips, 2012 will be a great year. Stay strong, keep these tips in mind and success is just around the corner!

Happy 2012 & happy reading!