by Humorous Motivational Speaker Jody Urquhart
Now is the time of year where hoardes of people launch into new year's resolutions. It can be a sombering time of setting yourself up for failure when you consider success rates are so low.
Approximately 45% of people make new year's resolutions and only 8 % actually succeed. Why is it so difficult?
Consider another statistic: 90% of heart patients don't stick to the lifestyle changes they need to in order to live longer, healthier lives. It's not that they want to die, it's just they don't know how to make the choice to live.
Social Scientists suggest that we go through 5 Stages to Change:
If you have a new year's resolution you are likely in the last three stages of preparation, action and maintenance. This means that you have already achieved the first two steps, so congratulations! The first two steps may have also taken up alot of your personal time and energy. Many people wait years until they finally decide to lose weight, change jobs or fulfill their goals. In the meanwhile that goal has been in the back of their brain nagging them all along.
As a humorous motivational speaker I hear alot of stories of new years resolutions gone awry. With the best intentions, people aim high and only parish because they act but they aren't prepared or don't realize how difficult the change will be.
Typically, I like to launch into action and maintenance and spend less time contemplating. Thinking about change can be emotionally draining and sets you up for a false start.
Better to jump right in and diligently hammer away at your goal. Don't beat yourself up if you cheat or fall off the wagon from time to time. Also, celebrate success along the way.
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