|
January 2, 2009
Posted: 10:11 AM ET
It’s that time of year again: the period immediately following the holidays, where the guilt – and maybe a couple of extra pounds – lead us to make New Year’s resolutions. If fact over the next week, about 100 million Americans will set new personal goals. Some will try to get in shape, try to quit smoking, save more money; others will try to stop biting their nails.  The trouble is, most people don’t end up keeping up with their end of the deal. A recent survey found three out of four people who make New Year’s resolutions will eventually break them. A third won’t even make it to the end of January. The problem is most people are the making the wrong resolution. Here are some tips to help you stick to your goals in 2009. Reality check: Write down small and tangible resolutions. Setting too high a bar can cause unnecessary pressure. If you have been a couch potato all of 2008, its unrealistic to think you can run 5 miles on your first try in 2009. Trying setting small goals one day at a time. For example, when starting up a workout routine, shoot for 15 minutes on the treadmill. If you conquered that easily, tomorrow make your goal 30 minutes. Give it time: It isn’t going to be easy at first but persistence does pay off. According to a long-term study, of the people who do succeed at their New Year’s resolutions, only 40 percent succeeded on the first try. The majority of people had to try multiple times so give it time and don’t give up. If you have a bad day, week or even month, don’t get discouraged. Just start fresh the next day. Remember, it can take four to six weeks to break..or form a habit. As for me, I hope to work a little less in the new year and be with my beautiful daughters with the extra time. Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You’ll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. ET on CNN. Posted by: Dr. Sanjay Gupta - CNN Chief Medical Correspondent |
 
About this blog
CNN's team of experts share their top tips to help you become a wise consumer. We know you're busy, and that's why our tips are quick and effective. From health to personal finance, we'll arm you with the information you need to make smart choices.  Contributors
Gerri Willis is CNN's Personal Finance Editor, hosting Open House and appearing regularly on American Morning.
 Ali Velshi is CNN's Chief Business Correspondent, hosting Your $$$$$ and appearing regularly on American Morning.
 Dr. Sanjay Gupta is CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent and host of House Call.
 Elizabeth Cohen offers up medical advice in her weekly Empowered Patient report.
 Judy Fortin's Health Minute segment runs daily weekdays on Headline News.
  |
|
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
|
|
