Dr. Elizabeth Gosch, professor of psychology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, recommends the "BEST" technique.
"B" is for breaking it down...make your resolution something that's manageable and specific.
"E" is for evaluate and plan...chart out a reasonable series of steps you'll use to achieve your goal.
For example, if you resolve to lose weight, steps might include planning proper meals then buying the foods involved rather than impulse-buying less-healthy things.
"S" is showing compassion for yourself. Chances are you will falter from time to time. That doesn't mean you're defeated. You can learn from a misstep and get yourself back on track.
Finally, "T" is treat yourself. Celebrate your successes, as often as you can. This will encourage you to keep your resolution and reach your objective.
Dr. Gosch also told Action News that a series of smaller steps usually works better than a single big one.
If you wanted to lose 100 pounds, that would be a daunting task. But you could resolve to lose ten pounds at a time or even to lose a pound a week...things that will enable you to achieve and celebrate results.
She said it's all right to slip back a little when you celebrate perhaps to reward yourself with a small food treat with your diet. Just don't make that a new habit!
There's some disagreement about who's more likely to make resolutions. One theory is that older people filled with life experience but likely with less time ahead, would want to place their lives in order.
Others say older people are more likely to be set in their ways and therefore resistant to change. But remember...the power to succeed lies with you, no matter what your age.
