The History of New Year's Resolution

With 2011 coming to a close i have been reflecting on quite a number of things. These things include: my life, personal goals, my financial standing, my professional goals, my blog and the list goes on. I promised myself that this year i will not make any resolutions. Why? In my reflecting i have come to the realization that I cannot even remember my New Year's resolution for 2011 or even if i made any. I have realized that I have made quite a number of errors in making my resolution. I am sure some of you are in the same boat. So I decided to try one last time. Here goes.... 




What is a New Year's Resolution?


A New Year's Resolution is a commitment that a person makes to one or more lasting personal goals, projects or the reforming of a habit. A key element to a New Year's Resolution that sets it apart from other resolutions is that it is made in anticipation of the New Year, and new beginnings. People committing themselves to a New Year's Resolution plan to do so for whole following year.




A Brief History of New Year's Resolution


Making New Year's resolutions is a tradition that dates back to the early Babylonians. This culture had a habit of making resolutions on the New Year. Although. popular modern resolutions might include the promise to lose weight or quit smoking. The early Babylonians' most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment.


The ancient Romans also made regular New Year's resolutions; although their New Year occurred in March, not January, as we understand it today. Despite the change in the dating of New Year over time, the traditions that the Romans practiced remained intact. The practice of making resolutions on the first day of the year is a time honoured, ancient practice.




Tips on How to Keep a Resolution


Be Specific


Be clear on what you want to accomplish. Don't just say you want to lose weight. Say instead, that you ant to lose 10 pounds and maintain a wait of 125lbs. However, do not over extend yourself by having too many goals. Keep it to a minimal so you can be focus and accomplish what you set out to do.


Write It Down


If your like me by the first three months you would have forgot what you have resolved to do. Therefore, just write it down. While writing down your resolution you can brainstorm ways in which you can simplify your goal by creating what I like to call sub-goals. Sub-goals are things that can be done to break down your overall goal and therefore makes your resolution easier to accomplish. Once this is done you can write your plan on a dream board, in your diary, personal organized or you can go high tech. It is up to you. Just use whatever best suits your lifestyle and personal needs.


Make Time


What immediately comes to mind is to timetable  your resolution. This might sound like high school and maybe it is but you need to find a way to schedule your resolution into you busy schedule.
This can be linked with writing it down. You can set weekly timeslots in which you can exercise, blog, connect with friends and family, etc.


Track Your Progress


Simply put- you need to monitor your progress or lack there of. This can be done by journalling, doing weekly or monthly reflection, making a note in your personal organizer when certain sub-goals are accomplished.     


Reward Yourself


This is my favourite part. Once you have accomplished a number of your sub-goals you can treat yourself. Your reward system should be tailored to you and your budget.


Don't Give Up 


Take it one day at a time. Whatever you do stick to it. This might mean giving yourself a pep talk or posting encouraging notes all over the house and at work in order to keep you on the right track. If this is the case do it.










Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year's_resolution
http://wilstar.com/holidays/newyear.htm
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111229093523AAMmsRJ