Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions
By Sonya Green-Haché

We’ve all made them and yes, we have all broken them. New Year’s resolutions usually include improving your lifestyle such as losing weight and exercising more, quitting smoking or drinking, and improving relationships and finances.

These resolutions are positive and make us healthier both physically and mentally, so why are the majority of them broken before the middle of January?

"New Year’s resolutions are made with the best intentions and are often broken unconsciously," says psychologist Luc Dubé.

He says a number of factors influence why they are broken including resolutions that are vague, unrealistic, and made without a plan. But there are a number of strategies to help you keep your resolutions.

"You may be better able to keep your resolutions if you make only one or two specific and realistic resolutions, and write them down with an accompanying action plan," says Dubé.

He says some individuals tend to make several resolutions that are vague, like ‘wanting to become a better person’ for example.

"These types of resolutions are very easy to break because they are not specific."

He recommends you take the time to decide upon one or two specific resolutions that you feel strongly about.

"If you have been thinking about changing your eating habits to include more fruit and vegetables because it will improve your health and prevent illness, then make it your resolution to eat fruit and vegetables every day in accordance with Canada’s Food Guide."

Once you have decided upon your resolution, write it down and develop an action plan of how you will achieve the goal.

A sample action plan for wanting to exercise more could include:

1. Determining a form of exercise that you enjoy such as cross-country skiing, walking, playing basketball, etc.
2. Determining the location and any equipment and/or fees required.
3. Setting aside a specific time and duration for the activity. For example, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7pm–8pm.
4. Arrange a support system to help you succeed, such as a co-worker who will meet you after work and join you for the activity.

He also recommends you write down what success factors you want to achieve such as sleeping better, having more energy, and losing weight.

"The more specific you can be about the results you want, the more likely you will achieve the result you seek."

He suggests placing the resolution in a visible place such as posted on the refrigerator or your locker to remind you of your goal.

He says it is also important to create a support system to help reach your goal.

"Friends and family can be a great support system."

If you have broken your New Year’s resolution already, don’t be discouraged. Forgive yourself, it’s not too late to start again and make a change. Keep persisting, because by persisting, you will succeed.

Sonya Green-Haché is communications co-ordinator for the Miramichi Regional Health Authority in New Brunswick. Send comments about this health column to region7@health.nb.ca Telephone 506.623.3003 or mail the Miramichi Regional Health Authority, 500 Water Street, Miramichi, NB, E1V 3G5.