While only eight percent of those who set New Year’s resolutions keep them, I believe the tradition is an important one. It is the beginning of a New Year, and it provides a perfect starting point for committing yourself to positive changes. Plus, there’s even more motivation when you share your resolutions with others.

Breaking down a habit

            In order to create a new behavior, you have to form new habits. Here are the three components of a habit:

  1. Cue: Could be time of day, hearing a baby cry, becoming frustrated, etc.
  1. Routine: Performing the habit
  2. Reward: All habits have rewards-they are the reason for the habit in the first place.

Now, apply these three components to your resolution. If your resolution is to complete paperwork on time, then set yourself up to do this. Pick a day of the week, a time of day, and duration of time. For instance, you will devote one hour every Wednesday evening to paperwork. Your cue becomes Wednesday evening, the routine is to do the paperwork, and the reward is that it gets done on time.

            Believe it or not, New Year’s resolutions are powerful. To ensure your success, here are a few tips for making them happen:

  • Be specific about what you want to accomplish.
  • With more complex goals, think incrementally.
  • If a setback occurs, shrug it off and move on.

The Law of Attraction teaches that “we create pictures of our intended life and then make choices and take actions that will realize what we envisaged.” In other words, your life is a blank canvas. If a New Year’s resolution will get you to the next phase of your painting masterpiece, respect your resolve and do it. You Can Do It!