Psychologist Nicole Pierotti gives tips to keeping New Year’s resolutions

ALMOST half of Australians write down New Year’s resolutions each year but the vast majority will fail to keep them. Psychologist Nicole Pierotti explains what you are doing wrong.

Psychologist Nicole Pierotti says there are specific things you can do to make change more likely.

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EVERY New Year, almost half of all Australians will sit down to write their New Year’s resolutions, yet the majority are set to fail.

But psychologist Nicole Pierotti says it doesn’t have to be that way and says there are ways you can achieve success and kick some goals this New Year. Images attached.

“It’s December 31 — time to write another years list of New Year’s resolutions,” she said.

“If you’re full of hope that this year will be different than the last, and you will kick every goal on the list — then it’s time to get real.

“Every year around 40 per cent of Australians write down their New Year’s resolutions, yet only around 12 per cent actually stick to them.”

Ms Pierotti points out the reason most resolutions fail is that we need the tools to turn them from simple ‘wishes’ into actual achievements.

“Thinking you want to achieve something and turning it into a reality requires some commitment and careful planning,” she said.

TIPS FOR MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS THAT WORK

BABY STEPS

Rather than list the final goal, start with a list of smaller steps required to make the changes that lead to the final goal.
For example, if the goal is get fit, then list how you will change your diet and exercise program to achieve this goal.

CONNECT

Tune into the feeling you have when you visualise your goals. For example being happy, light or positive. Tuning into feelings will help you visualise your goal and bring it to fruition.

BACK AND FORTH

IT’S worth taking the time to reflect on your previous experiences of making a resolution and then thinking forward into the future. Taking time to review and reflect on the past can give you the determination and commitment to achieve your goal going forward.

STOP AND PAUSE

Be prepared to reflect on and review your goals along the way. Goals can be refined as situations or circumstances change.

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For example, if you are on a diet but have a special occasion, you might decide to give yourself the night off. It’s oaky to learn as you go and allow yourself to review and modify your goals along the way.

Being realistic can help keep you on your path without becoming disillusioned.

PEN POWER

The simple act of handwriting your goals is an empowering approach to framing your tasks in an action orientated way and will help you enjoy a sense of achievement as tasks are completed.