There's a lot to like about January. The temperature's warm, people are relaxed, there's sport on TV and the hard work at the office generally hasn't kicked in yet. The topic of conversation, however, leaves a lot to be desired.

I don't know about you, but I find the whole New Year's resolution yarn pretty nauseating. People talk about making drastic changes, kicking the habit (whatever that may be) and somehow turning into a completely different person almost overnight.

Despite raising an eyebrow of the disinterested listener, these people are accomplishing nothing except a big fat lie — to themselves. Usually it takes a few weeks, but you can be damn sure their epiphany will slowly dissolve along with their willpower. Come mid-February they're back in the rut and any ridiculous goals, albeit well-meaning, are left behind and seem all so hard to accomplish.

Why do people do this to themselves? Why would someone who loves a drink promise to cut alcohol out completely? Why would a notoriously lazy person make a pact to hit the gym every night of the week?

These types are setting themselves up for a relapse of the highest order, and it can't be good for their sense of self-worth. Moderation in our lives is surely the right path to a healthy mind, body and soul.

Don't get me wrong, I think it's important to evaluate what you've done in the past year and make some plans for the year ahead. That is why I've come up with a more realistic approach to resolutions — a way of tailoring them to yourself while making them possible to achieve, and most importantly, making 2011 a year to remember.

A collection of small goals
This is a personal thing. You might be aiming for a promotion, looking to travel more, learn a new skill, or simply cut back at work so you can spend more time with your family. The list is endless, but the point is to keep your desires reachable, not pipe dreams.

If you're a pudgy couch-potato, don't plan to get to the gym every day, because two weeks into your regime you'll resent it and be completely turned off exercise. Make a plan to do some outdoor activity maybe twice a week and see how you go. Start off slow and work your way up.

You may have the desire to learn a new skill, but don't expect back-to-back days of study or hard labour to be the answer. Break the task up into sections and reassess your progress after each one.

The same principle should be applied to any resolution, because the more pressure you put on yourself the more likely you'll crumble. Your goals should excite you, motivate you and be enjoyable. If they're none of those things then failure awaits.

Remind yourself
An idea's potency can become weaker with time and frequently we need to be reminded why we're doing something. Writing down a few steps necessary to accomplish your goal gives it clarity and works as a reference point for later down the track.

It's a good way of stopping procrastination too. I'm as guilty as anyone when it comes to putting things off, even simple things that don't require much effort; it just seems easier to say, "I'll do it tomorrow".

But, if you make a conscious effort to throw yourself into something right away instead of creating excuses, it'll slowly become habit and you'll feel better about yourself.

Worry only about what you can change
A lot can happen in a year, plenty of which you'll have no control over. The trick is not to get too high or too low about anything — both of which can alter your mindset and affect your ability to focus and accomplish your goals.

Try to maintain a level head and roll with the punches as they come. Spending excess time worrying about what you can't change is energy wasted. Instead, focus on what you can change while making the most of your circumstances.

This blog post isn't meant to be a patronising pep-talk. I don't know you, and you don't know me, but I know this much: 2011 isn't meant to be a year you let slip by. Create a few realistic goals, challenge yourself and have a great time doing it. Focus on making 2011 count and not let it meander by, because as we get older, it's all too easy for that to happen.

Do you have any goals or resolutions for 2011? How do you plan to make this year better than the last? Have your say below.

Email us at nzmen@msn.co.nz

Share on Facebook: Share