Why not fit the cliche and have the first post this year be about new year’s resolutions? Well, I’m not big on resolutions myself, but I’ll go ahead and give some thoughts. I do care a lot about systems and making sure things are getting done. So along those lines, I’m going to make up 5 tips to help you keep your goals.

Tip 1: Repetition

There is a statistic that if you will do something 21 times, that it will become a habit. Obviously this is a number that will be different for many people, but the idea still stands. If you want to get in the habit of doing ______ then you should try to do it 21 times. Once you’ve fit it into your schedule that many times, it will be easier to keep it there.

Tip 2: Don’t Slack Off

The reason you are making these resolutions are to better yourself. As you make these resolutions, write down some of the initial reasons why you are doing it. When you come to a tough time where you want to be lazy, look at those reasons. Push on! Endure! Also, giving yourself a reward after 6 months is also a good motivator. But don’t let your reward be a week off or something like that, if your trying to create a habit, don’t let your reward be to break that habit.

Tip 3: Read

Being informed about a given topic (the one that you are trying to improve) helps give you some motivation and reasoning to do it. So when you get a free moment here and there, read. This also provides as reminders as to why you are doing it.

Tip 4: Enjoy the fruits of your labor

When you finish a given task, reflect on it. Remember why you are doing it and see the improvements. The power of positive thinking! This means don’t think on the negative. If you are trying to get in the habit of exercising then reflect on how much healthier you are getting and about the benefits you are getting (don’t think about how much work it took, all great things require work).

Tip 5: Tell others

By telling others, you are holding yourself accountable. If they know you are doing it, it should give you an extra boost of motivation to continue with it. If you need a lot of motivation, have a friend ask you about it every couple days to make sure you are doing it. And if possible, do it with a friend!!

And those are my tips for keeping a New Years Resolution. For being made up on the spot, I don’t think its that bad.

Remember: its worth it!