Stamping out of the drinking and smoking habit is easily one of the more difficult commitments to make.
Every New Year marks a celebration of new beginnings. Most people associate this occasion with commitments to reform old habits or make lifestyle changes, usually for the better, effective January 1. As 2009 comes to a close, people make pledges to resolve certain practices or issues and experience a fresh start as they welcome 2010.
Check out this prominent list of recurring New Year’s resolutions. Is yours one of them?
1. Get fit.
People vow to put on the right weight by paying attention to what they eat and exercising more. Depending on a person’s need, getting in shape may mean losing or gaining weight. However, this drive for healthy living sparked by the freshness of the New Year normally takes a backseat as people start leading their busy lives. As weight loss or weight gain becomes less of a priority, fitness becomes a lifelong underachieved goal.
2. Quit drinking and smoking.
Stamping out of the drinking and smoking habit is easily one of the more difficult commitments to make. Fact is, not everyone is equipped to make drastic lifestyle changes all at once. Over the years, the availability of over-the-counter nicotine replacement drug and a world of quit-drinking therapies are proving to be effective as vice-quitting aids. However, About.com says that on the average, drinkers and smokers make at least four attempts before finally quitting for good. People repeatedly commit to quit and fail, keeping this New Year’s resolution always on the list.
3. Manage finances wisely.
To say that money is a source of stress is an understatement. The year 2009 was plagued by unstable and unpredictable global economies, thus getting a handle on finances was no easy job. Spending less, spending just right, paying debt or securing the finances for oneself or for the family is a promise that makes it to the top yearly resolutions. It is expected to be part of the list many times over in the coming years.
4. Improve career, get better grades.
More often than not, professionals and students are hounded by unsatisfying work and career issues or disappointing grades. Starting off the New Year with pledges to strive harder at school or aim for promotions or make career shifts sound ideal. As it is a task easier said than done, this resolution expectedly jumps back to the list at each New Year.
5. Enjoy life more.
The stress that modern hectic lifestyles bring makes everyone crave for enjoyment. More importantly, a stress-free life is a crucial step to becoming healthier. Because of this, people vow to bring balance to their lives as the New Year arrives. Reducing stress may mean trying out something new such as a hobby or a sport, taking vacation trips, effecting time management to balance work and home, and spending quality time with those who matter. People pursue happiness in every way, which is why this resolution makes it to the yearly list.
New Year’s resolutions help solidify your hopes and aspirations for the New Year. However, the one big problem with people making the commitments is that they only stick to these pledges for about a week. A trick that may work, according to experts, is to actually think less about the resolution itself, and to focus more on how to make it happen. Another essential tip is to make more tangible goals that make it easier for the mind to visualize success.
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