2012 New Year's Resolution

Happy New Year - 2012!

While most New Year's resolutions involve losing weight or increasing exercise many of us feel determined on this first day of the New Year to make some positive change in our lives. While the statistics are mostly anecdotal, most people start out strong with one or more resolutions and generally lose sight of them within a few months.

Here are some tips on how to set and then keep your resolutions alive:

1. Set a realistic and achievable resolution. Setting a goal of losing 10 pounds instead of 50 pounds will more likely result in success.
2. Make a plan. If your goal is to start a yoga practice, research the type of yoga you want to pursue, sign up for a class, and put future classes on your calendar so that they are your priority on those dates and times.
3. Create a positive reinforcement list. Write on paper and post in the kitchen a list of what you hope to accomplish and what results you will get from those accomplishments. If you want to quit smoking, write a list of all the benefits you and others will get from reaching that goal.
4. Talk to others. Telling your friends and family what you want to achieve will give them the opportunity to support you as you make progress.
5. Reward yourself. As you achieve certain milestones, reward yourself. Just be sure to reward yourself in a way that is positive. Don't eat a slice of cheesecake because you lost 5 pounds. Instead, go shopping for a new outfit that shows off your new figure.
6. Track your progress. Keep a log, a journal, or a calendar that specifically outlines your progress. If you are working on a meditation practice, mark on a calendar how many minutes you were able to sit.
7. Don't beat yourself up. Sooner or later you may slip off your plan. Just note that you missed the yoga class and then re-commit to the next class. Learn to see a slip as simply that and not as an inherent failure of the self.
8. Keep reminding yourself. Put up a calendar and write your resolution on the 1st of each month. Be artistic and make it look different each month so it's new and fresh. Create posters or draw new images on a white board that remind you of your goal.

These tips should help keep your resolution going as long as possible. There is some point where practicing a new behavior becomes a new habit. But, some changes take a life time of diligence, such as maintaining weight loss. With regular work, it does become easier. As Lao Tzu said it, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

To help you with your resolution to begin your Meditation or Yoga practice, get 10% off your next order through January 31st (2012) with Coupon Code NEWYEAR10 (expired).

Thank you for reading,

Jay

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