The tradition of making New Year's resolutions is followed closely by breaking these very promises to yourself. Why do we break our resolutions? Could it be that we are resolving not what we want, nor what would be good for us, but what sounds good to other people? If you are making your resolutions based on what will get nodding approvals at New Year's Day parties and have tossed aside these aspirations by January 15, it is time to stop and think about what a resolution is really for.
When you make a resolution, you are resolving to change for the better. Some resolutions are to stop doing things: smoking, junk food, one-night stands, etc. Other resolutions are to start doing things: to take more time for your kids, to plan for a vacation, to find healthier relationships. Some years come and go without you making an effort beyond empty words. Other times, you may be inspired to adopt ten new resolutions only to fail at them all, forgetting the entire list before February.
The secrets to making a successful New Year's resolution are to be realistic, focused and committed.
Realistic: Look at what you are resolving to do with a cold, harsh realism. You are not going to lose more than 15 pounds without a major lifestyle change. Making such a change will require lots of research and cost a lot of money. It will also require a wrenching change in many habits of yours – and not just eating. The people around you may be eating a lot too. You may not be able to maintain those relationships. Are you prepared to be lonely and thinner? You have to be realistic about what you are doing and consider the bigger picture of what it will take to accomplish this.
Focused: Is your New Year's resolution something vague like "I want to work for world peace" or is it something specific like "I am going to volunteer my time to a specific organization working for world peace." Pondering where you can best make use your of your talents is one way to assure that a New Year's resolution will not go to waste.
Committed: Are you taking this resolution casually or are you instituting it as a thorough aspect of your life. And if you fail, are you prepared to be resolute in trying harder or will you likely just flake out? If you are giving up drinking or drug use and you end up getting buzzed one stressful night, are you prepared to start on your path of sobriety all over again? As you think about your New Year's resolution, ask yourself how deep a commitment you are willing to make.
Your zodiac sign tells a lot about your personality and can therefore be a guide in helping you choose the New Year's resolution that will work best for you in the year ahead. Read below for your sign.
Aries March 21 – April 19
The best resolutions are ones that focus on your internal growth. Perhaps this is the year that you seek counseling or attend group therapy. Purchasing a self-help book and following it word for word will work wonders. Focus on yourself and you will make the world around you a better place.
Taurus April 20 – May 20
Finances are always a time-consuming obsession for the Bull. This year might be a time to resolve teaching yourself on how the world of finance and investments works. Following your retirement accounts more closely will pay off, as your natural ability with the material world will bring in the dough this year.
Gemini May 21 – June 21
Your ability to explain yourself and your feelings should be the focus of your New Year's resolution. Is this the year you vow to volunteer in the community in order to teach people about the pressing issues of our era? Giving of yourself through communication will enrich your life throughout 2010 and beyond.
Cancer June 22 – July 22
Streamlining the clutter in your world will lead to a year of efficiency and breakthroughs. If you have been collecting things, now is the time to make a profit off of some of what you've managed to stow away. If you have been hoarding junk, resolve to clean it out and make the most of your living space.
Leo July 23 – August 22
2010 is poised for you to abandon the conservative strategies of the past few years and take some bigger risks in matters of the heart and the wallet. When you set your sites on a possible soulmate who was previously thought to be out of your league, you actually improve yourself as you jockey for position.
Virgo August 23 – September 22
Getting organized may come easy to you, but a resolution to end redundancies will help greatly. Can you look at the work you do and see which jobs take up the most time but have little payoff in the end results? Can you resolve to stop fussing with the small details that offer little reward? If so, the big picture this year looks great.
Libra September 23 – October 22
Resolve to make a partner in your life have a better-defined role and you will have a great year ahead. The ambiguities of your most important relationships are leaving you disorganized and upset. Defining the roles that each of you must play in your partnership gives you two a structure that is of great benefit.
Scorpio October 23 – November 21
Your stubborn streak has made you a loyal and reliable friend, but 2010 is the year to work with the universe and embrace the places in your world where change seems inevitable. Instead of fighting it all, resolve to give in. This is a radical step for consistent Scorpio, but letting go in some areas of your life will allow you to stand firm in others.
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21
Your natural optimism serves you well, albeit getting you into trouble when you say "yes" one too many times. This year, resolve to say yes to slowing down and committing to a specific vision. If you can harness your natural talents and stay focused on one goal, you will achieve greatness in 2010.
Capricorn December 22 – January 19
Your natural selectivity puts you in good company at all times, but this is the year to try being a little more democratic when it comes to the people surrounding you. Resolve to be open to new ideas and you will find that the elusive power of staying ahead of the trends and not being a follower suddenly comes easy to you. 2010 will be a breath of fresh air with this resolution.
Aquarius January 20 – February 18
As much as you are certain of the correct stance you have taken, make a resolution for the year to not tune out the news that you do not want to hear. There is information out there that is embedded in viewpoints with which you disagree. Look at 2010 as the year you expand your consciousness by seeing the other side of every argument.
Pisces February 19 – March 20
While your expansive ability to grasp grand concepts is helpful, it can be a hindrance. Your resolution for 2010 should be to find one or two absolutes and stick to them. Instead of spreading yourself too thin with volunteer commitments and assistance, spend this year fighting for one cause and bettering yourself along the way as you enjoy the experience of success you have longed for.
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