Resolution_Retention

Year after year, people make ambitious New Year’s resolutions that are almost invariably broken. The biggest reason most resolutions are broken, usually before February begins, is that they are too strict or extreme to be effective for the individual who set them. Aiming for a goal set too high is likely to result in failure. There are several simple ways to make resolutions that can be kept, and then keep them. Too frequently the trend in our society is for individuals to be detached from one another. Automobiles have taken us off the streets, where we used to greet each other and stop to chit chat. Cubicles have removed a bit of the humanity in working, as have factories and even computers to some extent. Television has planted us firmly in our living rooms, instead of out with other people. Even movie theaters, where many people get together, cut us off from true conversation because we’re staring at a big screen. You could also add to the list cell phones and social networks. It takes away from face o face conversation. Around the holidays and especially during New Year's, everybody announces a resolution that he or she plans on keeping. Only, a couple individuals actually do. We have all had our own encounters with some far-reaching, unrealistic goals: lose twenty pounds in six weeks, pay back all our credit card debt by the spring, never eat chocolate again…you name it.

This time around, try setting goals that are realistic and reasonable. Check into some resolution ideas that are simple to both manage and keep. Come year's end, not only will you've achieved a goal or two, you will not find yourself where you started last year—at square one! Set goals that are reasonable and they'll be easier to keep. For instance, are you washing clothes? Brushing your teeth? Doing the dishes? Use cold water instead. It is one of the easiest and most efficient household changes you are able to incorporate toward your resolution. It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Cutting back on the amount used means big savings, not only on your energy bills, but also in carbon dioxide emissions. You'll be saving your wallet and the planet.