New Year, New You!

2010 is here, which means it's time to set (and accomplish) your new goals.

Over the years, there's been countless surveys that prove that most new years resolutions are broken by February 17th.

I say we can do better than that in 2010!

How about a few recommendations from motivation experts on how to stay on track and hopefully make it far past the month of February? Personally, I know I can use all the extra help I can get.

1. Tell Everyone Your Intentions - Research shows if you tell those around you what your goals are, they'll help you stay on "the straight and narrow".

2. Expect Bumps - Don't expect things to go perfectly smooth... expect bumps along the way, and plan in advance to be thrown off course. Peter Gollwitzer, a professor of psychology at New York University in New York City, says that those who plan ahead for obstacles are more likely to stick to their original plan.

3. Stay Positive - It's been proven over and over that if you stay positive, and if you BELIEVE, you can accomplish what you set out to do. Staying positive gives you a better chance of success.

4. Be Realistic - Goals should be achievable, otherwise you're setting yourself up for failure. It's perfectly acceptable to "Shoot for the stars", just be sure you can see the stars first.

5. Baby Steps - Research shows if you take baby steps every day towards your goal, you have a better chance of getting to your destination.

6. Ask For Help - When you find yourself falling back into your old habits, ask your friends and family for help. Even if it means asking your spouse to hide the cookies from you, who cares? One less cookie every day can really add up and help your cause.

7. Set Mid-Points - Goals are great to achieve, but it helps to celebrate your success when you get to your half-way mark. The bigger the goal, the more mini-goals you need to set along the way.

8. Don't Give Up - Just when you think "I can't do this", think again. Refer back to #3 - Be Positive and give yourself a pep talk. If that doesn't work, go shopping. :)

9. Switch It Up - We can all get bored of the same old same old, so be sure to make minor tweaks here and there to help keep you focused. If exercising more often is your goal, then switch up what you're doing so you don't get bored.

10. Stay Focused on Why - Sometimes we work so hard to achieve whatever it is we're working towards, we forget why we chose to change. If eating healthier is what you've set your sights for, don't forget why you've made your choice to do so.

Stay motivated, and achieve what you've set out to do on New Years Day. It's totally possible, just remember to Believe in You!

WOO HOO - HNY 2010!!