Healthy Living in 2016 - 6 Tips to ensure New Year's resolutions stick

By Kenner Army Health ClinicJanuary 7, 2016

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FORT LEE, Va. (Jan. 7, 2016) -- The start of the new year is a traditional time for people to reflect on their lives and to make changes, but anytime is a good time to take stock of one's goals.

Do you stop and think about your life and what makes you happy and what you would like to change?

You may have found thinking about life changes is easier than actually working toward them. It involves not just setting goals, but being specific in the steps it takes to reach each particular resolution.

Goal-setting experts recommend short-range (0-6 months), mid-range (6 months to 2 years) and long-range goals (2-5 years). Writing down goals instead of keeping them in your head is important as well.

Ask yourself the following questions to help focus on your goals for the future. These are only a few examples to start the creative juices flowing. Most importantly, let your mind wander to fully access your future desires.

• What were my greatest achievements over the past year?

• What were my biggest disappointments over the past year?

• What did I learn about myself from my achievements and disappointments?

• How was I able to accomplish the things I did over the last year? Who and what helped?

• How did I limit myself over the past year? How could I avoid doing the same this year?

• What is my No. 1 focus this year?

Personal values figure heavily in goal-setting. Are you work-oriented, volunteer-oriented, family-oriented, partner-oriented, faith-oriented and friend-oriented? Most people are a little of all or most of these. How does your primary orientation affect your goals? Do you want to strengthen one area particularly important? In what give-and-take are you willing to engage to do so?

After you have written down your goals, circle the three or four absolute most important ones and then place your goal sheet where you will see it daily or at the least weekly. It will serve as the catalyst needed to make positive changes in your life.