The new year is always an exciting time. People are ready to kiss the old year goodbye and say hello to the next one.
Every year people across the United States set new year's resolutions to improve themselves and their lives.
How many people do you think actually meet these goals? According to Proactivechange.com, 40 to 45 percent of American adults make one or more resolutions.
As time goes on, 75 percent maintain their resolutions past the first week, 64 percent after one month and 46 percent after six months.
According to USA.gov, drinking less alcohol, getting a better education or job, getting fit or losing weight, managing stress, quitting smoking, saving money, volunteering and planning a trip are among the popular resolutions year after year.
If one of your resolutions this year is to volunteer, you'll be surrounded by great company, according to the website.
Last year, 63.4 million Americans age 16 and up volunteered. Americans who volunteered in their communities jumped by 1.6 million, the largest increase since 2003.
Not only will this resolution improve your life by giving back, it will also enhance the lives of others. It can be a very rewarding experience.
Many people also set resolutions to lose weight or get into shape, according to USA.gov. How does one find the motivation and drive to do so?
It's easier to stick to and have long-term success when you focus your effort on one or two resolutions.
If you focus your energy, you'll be able to come up with an action plan and be able to make modifications if you notice yourself falling behind.
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The transtheoretical model, which I've learned about in psychology classes and some kinesiology and health classes, is one way to form an action plan to change a behavior. The model has five stages.
According to ChangingMinds.org, the stages are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. According to ChangingMinds.org, the model can be used to fight addiction or behaviors where the person is not likely to be willing to change.
This model could be helpful in setting and maintaining new year's resolutions for the long term. It's important to focus your efforts and be motivated to make whatever change you're trying to make.
Yes, I know it can be hard to stay motivated, especially when you start to struggle, but finding ways and strategies to fight those tough times will be the key to success.
Many of us have set the same resolution several years in a row or given up on it all together because it can never be met. Why do you think that happens?
Don't let 2011 be your year to fail. Make it everything you want it to be. Think about what hasn't worked for you in the past and what has.
Think about something that has been bugging you lately or setting you back and start to make a change. By the time 2012 rolls around, you might just feel like you've conquered your new year's resolutions, and what a feeling that would be.
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