5 Simple Steps to Set Successful New Year's Resolutions

January is the month that countless men and women say, “This year will be different.” With all the sincerity they can muster, they go headlong into one, or more, resolutions.

According to Forbes.com contributor, Ashira Prossack, “The statistics on how many people actually follow through and accomplish their New Year’s resolutions are rather grim.

Studies have shown that less than 25% of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days, and only 8% accomplish them.”

The number one resolution is weight loss, followed by paying off debt, improving career options, increasing overall health, more exercise and improved relationships.

When I work with clients on their nutrition, weight, health and energy goals, I invite them to take a five-step process to success.

1.Clarify motivation

There are two primary types of motivation. One comes from inside (intrinsic), the other is external (extrinsic). When we are intrinsically motivated, we like the feeling we get from accomplishing a goal. When we are extrinsically motivated, we are driven by outward rewards.

Determine where your greatest motivation comes from to have a higher level of success.

2.Realize actions speak volumes

Deciding on a goal for the New Year is always easier said than done. A lot of people talk about what they are going to do rather than simply taking the action. To have a greater chance for success, take small actions, daily, to accomplish your goals.

Avoid spending time talking about what you’re going to do and simply do it.

3.Honesty is the best policy

It’s likely you heard, “Honesty is the best policy,” a lot as a child. It made sense and you did all you could to live as honestly as possible. Yet, somewhere along the line, you quit being honest with yourself. Not intentionally, but by over-committing to goals you may not be prepared for.

The more realistic your resolutions, the more likely you’ll see them through. If your goal for the New Year is to exercise more, then start small. Instead of planning a 5-day workout week, go for 20 minutes a day then increase gradually.

Additionally, avoid setting too many goals and resolutions at one time. Trying to make too many changes too quickly is setting yourself up for failure.

4.Think things through

Avoid setting goals that set you up for failure. Think through how realistic your goals are. For example, if you say you are going to lose 50 pounds in a month, that’s not realistic, or healthy. Rather, set a goal to eat intuitively, according to what your body requires to release unhealthy weight. In my book, The Food Codes, you learn exactly how to tune into what your body wants, needs and desires. The very foods that will give you what you need.

5.Get an accountability buddy

Accountability simply means taking responsibility for the choices you make. Often the reason people don’t stick with their resolutions is not having an accountability buddy.

Work with a friend or join a support group where you get the support and encouragement you need. Accountability can be as simple as sending a day end email to confirm you stuck with things that day. At the start of each day you post your goals for the day.

Accountability doesn’t have to be difficult at all. It just needs to be a priority to work.

With the 5 Simple Steps I’ve outlined; you are well on your way to being in the 8% of those who successfully stick with resolutions through the end of the year. Imagine how great you’ll feel every single day you keep your word to the most important person in your life… you.