Hi, how’s it going for you today? I hope things are going well for you.

Well, it’s a new year, and each new year brings with it new beginnings. That’s when people make resolutions. A resolution is kind of a promise you make to yourself – usually that you will do something better this year than last. Like quitting smoking, or going on a diet. Those are probably the biggest, most common New Year’s resolutions that people make.

Unfortunately, too many of them are prone to break their New Year’s resolutions pretty quickly after making them, and they just give up instead of getting back on the horse and trying again.

The problem may be that their resolution isn’t realistic. For example, someone who’s been smoking for 20 years cannot expect that he can quit overnight, or do it without help. A more realistic way would be to cut down first, and stop gradually, or use the nicotine patch or gum

to help him.

An unrealistic resolution for someone dieting would be that they are going to lose 20 pounds

in one month. It would be more realistic to set the goal as 20 pounds, but achieve it in smaller goals, like a few pounds a month over a period of time. This way, they stand a better chance of sticking to it and reaching their goal.

And another point, whatever the resolution, is to not expect more from yourself than you can realistically do. That is a surefire way to be disappointed in yourself.

A resolution (especially like in the two examples I just cited) most of the time involves a change in behavior, but change in behavior does not happen overnight, and it certainly is not easy. For a change to become permanent, you must have consistency.

Do it one day at a time if you have to. It’s actually the best way, anyway. Like with smoking, just tell yourself “I’m not going to smoke today.” Then just concentrate on getting through that one day without a cigarette.

Weight loss can be approached the same way – one day at a time. But it also involves a lifestyle

change. You can’t expect that if you keep eating the way you were, that you will lose the weight you want to lose. You have to start eating differently. You can keep the big goal in mind, but if you think you can do it faster than generally possible, it just won’t happen. It’s just much easier if you take it one day at a time.

If you take care of the days, the weeks (and months) will take care of themselves. Whatever your goal is, only take it one day at a time, so you are not overwhelmed and tempted to stop your resolution altogether.

For example, someone with bipolar disorder may set a New Year’s resolution that they’re not going to have any bipolar episodes this year. But that isn’t realistic! They can’t know that.

But what they can do is vow to be more diligent in their maintenance of their bipolar disorder this year. Then they take it one day at a time, doing the things each day that they need to do to maintain their stability.

You see the difference?

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave