1. Be realistic and set an obtainable goal. Yes, we’d all like to look like the famous faces that grace the covers of magazines or that are splashed across billboards. But how about just setting a goal for losing 20lbs in the first quarter of the year. Take baby steps, don’t set yourself for failure, instead work towards a very doable easy goal. Maybe even forget the 20lbs goal, vow to eat healthier, or substitute sodas for juices, cut down your alcohol intake to 3 glasses a wine a week or whatever you think is easily achievable.  It becomes harder to follow through, if you’re struggling the whole way. So think of it like a marathon and pace yourself so your not charging at it the first few days of the new year, but are conserving energy to make it to the end.

2. Instead of one or two big resolutions, break it up into smaller ones. Forget the bigger picture for a minute and jot down step by step smaller to-do’s that will help make your year brighter, better and happier. Don’t forget the happier, it’s a key. Being able to check off these smaller things is encouraging and builds up momentum and determination to for the bigger things. So, setting smaller actionable steps can really make a difference.

3. Shout it from the roof tops. Studies show that making a resolution public is a great motivator. So tweet it, make it your facebook status, or say it out loud to your friends and family. Now, you don’t want to fail in the eyes of everyone right?…that’s what I thought. Plus the encouragement from your loved ones it just the thing you’ll need to stick to it. That takes us to point 4….

4. Get help. You don’t have to go at your goals alone you know. And if you aren’t comfortable having someone help you, don’t worry. Today’s the world of technology and there’s a website, program or application to provide you the help, no matter what your goal is. If it’s financial ‘mint.com’ could be very handy. If it’s dieting, there are a dozen apps for your phone to help you shape up. Point is, get help, however you want to.

5. Visualize success. Just close your eyes and imagine the feeling of elation and pride swelling in you that you achieved your goal. Picture those savings in your account, that your feeling healthier, you finally finished a project you’ve been putting off. Whatever the goal, visualize finishing it. Now isn’t that motivating….

Whatever you’re goals or resolutions for the year, remember one thing…they are for the better. That said, don’t be upset or discouraged if everything doesn’t go by plan. Be flexible and let life happen to you. Sometimes things happen for a reason and while it may seem like a roadblock, it may be aligning you for better things to come. Everyday is a new day and if you happen to muck up a few, don’t worry, it’s how you pick yourself up and go on that will get you to the end happy and content.

Here’s Wishing you A Happy New Year and a Better, Brighter and Fuller Future!
~ From everyone at Comfort In Style Magazine and Yogacara

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

*Image credits: photos by [ Mooi ] and storem on flickr

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”
…………………….. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

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Every New Year brings with it, a new beginning fresh with hope and promise for the future. Just as when we were children, each school year was a chance to start all over, the New Year brings the same opportunity to All. A chance at making your own future, better and brighter!

The age old tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is testament to the hope New Year’s brings of change. “Out with the Old and In with the New” is the mantra we chant…but do we practice? We all start of New years full of enthusiasm and excitement, when the fireworks die down and the celebrations fade all we’re are left with are the blank pages of a year to come and an opportunity to fill it. Just like any book, the first Chapter is what engages us to keep reading and the start of our year is what sets the tone for the rest of the year. So, why not start off the new year right with a positive boast that’ll give your life direction? Don’t know where to begin?

Here’s a few practical and not ‘easier said than done’ steps to staring off the New Year with the right kind of ‘BANG!’

• Reflect. This step is crucial to identify what your looking for in the new year. Reflect on the past year to see what went well for you, so you can continue that and the area you need to work on to change or simply improve. Look at all aspects of your life from your love life, career, family life, health to financial standing, social life and so on to truly see what change you’d like to bring for the new year.
• Let go. Say goodbye to anything negative you’ve been holding in the past year. Grudges, bad feelings, unresolved issues and negativity needs to make way for the good. Forgive those who have wronged you or let go and move forward.
• Goals. A little planning goes a long way especially when it comes to life. Many may disagree and say Life constantly changes and it’s best to take it as it comes. But, the happiest people are the ones who direct their life in the direction they want. Take charge of your own life instead of drifting through it without that sense of accomplishment. Decide what will make You happy in each aspect of your life and work towards it!
• Chapter-by-Chapter. Don’t make resolutions for the whole Year all at once. Work at it chapter-by-chapter, maybe month-by-month or week by week whatever works best for you. Try setting a few goals to achieve or to focus on for a month. If you do good, continue at it while taking on something new. It can be anything from eating healthier and taking up Yoga to starting a budget or volunteering to help out at an old folks home weekly. Whatever you choose, the point is not only to accomplish them, but also to keep at it.
• Live. Lastly, in the rush of things, don’t forget to Live, Laugh and Enjoy Life! Enjoy and appreciate the people in your life, the simple things that make you smile and moments that make it worth it!

Here’s Wishing you A Happy New Year and a Better, Brighter and Fuller Future!
~ From everyone at Comfort In Style Magazine and Yogacara

* Photo credits: Photos by zzilch, Optical illusion, robotography on flickr

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com