New Year ...New You!

Happy New Year everyone!


2011 is finally upon us and as you all know a new year inevitably means … resolutions!


A quick Google search reveals the top 5 resolutions for us Brits (according to research by gocompare.com) are:

1. Lose weight
2. Do more exercise
3. Improve finances
4. Eat more healthily
5. Look for a new job.

Now to tell you the truth I have never ever been a new year’s resolution making kind of girl.  In fact I can’t tell you the last time I made a new years resolution or created a vision board (maybe because I have no vision!) or done some other type of traditional new years eve type ritual where I vow to do or not do something which will be advantageous for me!

The reason being, I’m quite cynical about such things (…along with other things like self help books and the law of attraction) I don’t know why but I just don´t half believe in none of the above.


I mean writing down a list of things you want to achieve is one thing; doing or taking the steps to actually achieve those things is something totally different. Plus research suggests that only a small percentage of people are actually successful in achieving their new years goals (a meager 12%). 

Now I know you're thinking what is wrong with trying to be one of those successful 12%? and my answer would be nothing at all, but when you consider the following findings: 

¨Two fifths of people said they were making a new year's resolution because they genuinely hoped they would be able to change their behaviour, although 54% admitted they would probably have broken their pledge by the end of January. Just 14% thought they would be able to maintain their new behaviour for between six and 12 months¨

Also the mental health charity Mind have recently reported that setting unrealistic goals based on insecurities or on work or financial worry´s could trigger feelings of failure and inadequacy if the plans fail to materialise.

Therefore I get a bit cynical about making any resolutions based around this time of year. Although don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking goal setting (I have goals too) I just don’t think they need to be confined to New Years! Plus its not about what you say you’re going to do that’s important but rather how you plan to do it. 

Therefore in the spirit of not being a cynical girl this new years check out this interesting website quirkology.com for tips on a successful resolution. I have summarized the main points below:

1. Make only one resolution - the chances of success are more likely when you channel your energy into changing one aspect of your behavior at a time.
2. Plan ahead - don´t wait until New Years eve to think about your resolution. Take a few days to think about what it is you really want to achieve out of life.
3. Be specific - think about the how, when, where and what.
4. Avoid previous resolutions or approach an old problem from a new angle.
5. For men (I think it can also apply to women) create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time based (SMART).
6. For Women (as above, can also apply to men) go public, tell people what your resolution/goal is and ask them to give you a gentle nudge (reminder) if you go off the wagon.
7. Last but not least ... be persistent, and don´t blame yourself (or beat yourself up) if you falter or give into temptation. Remember everyone messes up from time to time. Don´t use it as an opportunity to give up. (I really agree with this statement not just for new years, but for life!)

So BDSS’rs ... are you into resolutions? are you going to lose weight,  exercise more,  improve your finances,  eat more healthily or find a new job in 2011?


Here´s wishing that whatever you have planned for 2011 you put your foot in it! :-D