How's that resolution workin' for you?

So, it's the second day of the New Year.
Made a resolution? How's it going?
Already discouraged? defeated?
Don't give up!
Even if you've already broken
yesterday's resolution -
it's never too late to begin again!

Here's what works - and what doesn't - when trying to make a change in your life:


Characteristics of a successful change
-A realistic and simple goal
-Awareness that reaching the goal is an ongoing process, not an event
-A written record of the intended change,
and the progress made toward it
-Support from a network of friends and family
-Small, gradual steps to accomplish goal
-Self-discipline and focus

Characteristics of an unsuccessful change
-A grand goal for sudden transformation
-A poorly defined or understood goal
-An attempt to tackle too much at once
-Trying to do it alone, without support
-Procrastination; "I'll do it tomorrow"
-Easily discouraged; lack of focus

Sources: Interviews with local psychologists, professors, doctors, life coaches, fitness instructors

-Johnny Diaz in Why Is Change So Hard? - The Boston Globe, January 1, 2009

Of course, an important part of making changes for the good in our lives is asking for help - from God! In addition to the good advice above, you might want to revisit the approach I took to resolutions earlier this week in this post.

-ConcordPastor