5 Easy Ways to Rock Your Resolutions

Happy New Year, everyone! Did you have a fabulous holiday? I hope so!

Not to be too cocky here, but I’m pretty much a rock star in the New Year’s resolutions department. I reckon I’ve got about an 85% success rate when it comes to achieving these annual goals. Here are a few of my secrets:

1. Make New Year’s resolutions fun

Losing weight, quitting smoking, scheduling sex – could there be any more depressing tasks to tackle in January? Seriously people, it’s the gloomiest month of the year, why make it any harder on yourself?

Focus on things that will put more joy back in your life – not that sex isn’t joyful, but I’m a first a realist and second a woman. If you want to get busy, why not resolve to drink more often? That’s right, lose the daily planner and get into the swing of things with a cocktail or three. My hairdresser focuses on a different spirit each year. By the end of the year, she’s an expert on that alcohol and I’m sure several other things… 2013 is the year of tequila. Cheers to that!

2. Bring in an ass kicker

If you really want to tackle some big issues, make an appointment with a pro. A life coach, personal trainer or counsellor can help most anyone reach their goals. Don’t delay on setting this up or you may lose steam. When I wanted to get in the best shape of my life by age 40, I bought four training sessions in December. Guess what? I used them all up by February and bought five more in March.

Find the pro who’ll kick your ass (if you don’t know who, I’ll tell you), leave them a voicemail and viola – your plan is set in motion.

3. Ditch the Energy Drainers

If you can’t think of anything to change in the New Year, this is a no brainer. Energy zappers include TV, friends who tend to lean towards negativity and habits that suck time and produce nothing positive (like doodling and talking about your ex).

They say the only way you can increase your happiness set point is through increased interactions with family and friends. Schedule regular dates to catch up with those who fill you with positive vibes, and you won’t have time to get sucked in.

4. Try Something new in the New Year

I feel like such a boomer writing this. Do I really need to remind myself that trying a new recipe, book or wellness treatment once a month is no biggie? Yes, yes, I do. This year skating at Carrot Creek, hosting an appetizer exchange and doing a backbend from standing, are at the top of my list.

5. Check in Monthly

If you write your goals down and say them out loud (to a friend – never your spouse), you’ll have a greater chance of achieving them. Be sure to schedule time at the end of each month to record your successes and setbacks.

So go ahead and make some resolutions, It’s not that hard and you just might find something positive out of the whole experience.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If so, what have been your most successful ones? If not, why not?

(Photo of a sparkler via This is Glamorous via Flickr)