Broken resolution only another chance for success

Janet Taylor-Birkey

Although it is not yet into the second month of a new year, many resolutions are already broken. And while that may not sound very optimistic, it can actually be a freeing mindset.

Resolutions can be broken due to schedules, illness or responsibilities that take precedence. The key when making a resolution is to remember that changes occur when new habits are done consistently, not perfectly.

Webster’s dictionary says that making resolutions is a process, meaning that it will not happen in one fell swoop. Bad habits are not usually changed just because a person decides it’s time to change. Behavioral change is a process that may take a while to become second nature. It takes time to change behaviors, build discipline and figure out what works.

Don’t be harsh when working to change behavior. When a person is recovering from an illness, no one expects them to suddenly be completely cured. Instead, people often encourage the patient by insisting they take the healing process slow, get a lot of rest and not be discouraged with slow results. Patients are encouraged to not focus on setbacks, but keep their mind focused on the future and possibilities.

Most resolutions are made in the areas of fitness or finances. Master Sgt. Drake Davidson, Cannon’s Fitness Section Chief, has these tips to keep “resolutionaries” on track. The concepts can be applied to almost any change you want to implement.

– Have a strong initial decision/commitment to fitness.

– Make a complete lifestyle change. If what you did previously didn’t work, change it!

– Believe in yourself: if you think you can do something, you are probably right.

– Grab a partner. Never underestimate the power of companionship.

– Tell people your goals. Saying them aloud validates them and makes you push to achieve them.

– Take your mind off of what others look like and be the best you that you can be.

– Fit physical fitness into your daily schedule.

– Have coping strategies to deal with problems that will come up.

– Keep track of your progress. The more monitoring you do and feedback you get, the better you will do.

– Frame resolutions as absolutes by saying, “I will never do that again.”

The adage about trying again if you don’t at first succeed is especially appropriate when it comes to make decisions to improve one’s life. So if you silently berate yourself for coming up short on some of the ways you wanted to improve yourself, turn that negative energy into a positive force. Figure out what may have caused you to fall short of your goals and redefine how you are going to succeed.

When it comes to making one’s life better, it’s never too late.