Making Changes in the New Year
Thursday January 1, 2009
With a new year, many people decide it's time to make changes. After all, we've said good-bye to the old, and welcomed the new stuff in, right? For some of us, that includes making resolutions. Others find it a little more difficult to make a "resolution" because we tend to set our goals really high... and then if we're unable to attain them, we feel like total failures. If you're thinking about making some changes in 2009 -- whether they're small or large -- here are some tips on how to set attainable goals and achieve some results in the months ahead: Setting Goals
Comments
I’ve always found it an odd concept to make resolutions on new years and personally I never have. See the problem is there are many diffent new years for many different cultures. Personally when I vow to make changes is on Samhain because its the Pagan new year. That being said though anytime people want to try to become better, more enlightened people I’m all for it.
It’s always appropriate to set goals and modify them but a new beginning is a very suggestive time. And at Gregorian Calendar New Year’s you’ll probably have a lot of company and it may help to buddy up! But whatever floats your boat
One tip I didn’t see mentioned is to make the goal specific enough to quantify. More happiness or better health is great but how will you determine it? So say rather - I will go to a movie once a month with my good friend. Or, I will hike that trail near my house once a week. Also grouping up smaller goals with a more distant long term goal helps me sometimes. Gives quick thrills and still gives me long term deeper satisfaction. Just some thoughts. Happy New year 
Instead of making a resolution - I think it is a much better and more attainable idea to set goals for yourself - small steps that add up to changes for the better. Perhaps instead of saying I want to lose weight - say my goal is to eat healthier and become more active by eating 1 more vegetable serving and walking for 30 minutes each day. Then expand on those small goals - before you know it - you’ll have a new you!
Every Yule, I consider any bad habits I might want to rid myself of and what good habits I could replace them with. For example, last year, I decided to give up fast food. The healthy habit I replaced my hamburgers with were Boca burgers. Each Sabbat, I review my habits and make adjustments as needed or take the “next step”. So I guess I make resolutions 8 times a year. It’s easier to take “baby steps” this way and also easier to be honest about my progress and to stay motivated.