Dr. Ian Gray - Newmarket Dentist

Some tips to help you keep your resolutions:

1. One thing at a time

Start with just one area of your life to change to begin with that. 

2. Plan, Plan and Plan some more

Plan ahead and stay prepared and get all the systems in place ready to make your change.

3. Anticipate problems

There will be problems so make a list of what they’ll be. If you think about it, you’ll be able to anticipate problems at certain times of the day, with specific people or in special situations. 

4. Pick a start time

You don’t have to make these changes on New Year’s Day. That’s the conventional wisdom, but if you truly want to make changes then pick a day when you know you’ll be well-rested, enthusiastic and surrounded by positive people.

Sometimes picking a date doesn’t work. It’s better to wait until your whole mind and body are fully ready to take on the challenge. You’ll know when it is when the time comes.

5. Go for it

On the big day go for it 100%. Make a commitment and write it down on a card. You just need one short phrase you can carry in your wallet. Or keep it in your car, by your bed and on your bathroom mirror too for an extra dose of positive reinforcement.

Your commitment card will say something like:

• I enjoy a clean, smoke-free life.
• I stay calm and in control even under times of stress.
• I’m committed to learning how to run my own business.
• I meditate daily.

6. Accept setbacks

If you do mess up, make a note of the triggers that caused this set back and vow to learn a lesson from them.

Perseverance is the key to success. Try again, keep trying and you will succeed.

7. Plan rewards

Small rewards are great encouragement to keep you going during the hardest first days. After that you can probably reward yourself once a week with a magazine, a long-distance call to a supportive friend, a siesta, a trip to the movies or whatever makes you tick.

Later you can change the rewards to monthly and then at the end of the year you can pick an anniversary reward. Something that you’ll look forward to. You deserve it and you’ll have earned it.