Understand why resolutions don't work. Change is hard. It is simply easier to stick with what we know. We decide to change because we are unhappy with something, but shortly after our inspiration we become discouraged and overwhelmed. We often develop "change amnesia" and forget why we wanted to change in the first place. Adding to the problem--we often make a resolution simply because it's Jan. 1 and not because we are passionate about making the change.
Write a resolution statement. This tells your brain that you mean it. Make sure it is positive. Avoid words such as not and don't. Make your resolution specific. Instead of saying you want to eat healthier, say, "I will eat salad three times per week."
Have strong enough reasons. This is the biggest key to lasting change. Make a list of the reasons you want to change. You should feel passionate about them. Be specific. Rate each reason on a scale of 1 to 10 in order of importance.
Create a plan. Imagine yourself six months from now; you have accomplished your goal. What do you have to do to get there? Write down the steps. When do you need to have those steps taken? Decide what steps you can take this week or even right now. Write out the entire plan and then take the first step.
Hold yourself accountable. Review your resolution statement daily. That will help keep you on task. Tell someone you trust about your goal to change or join a group of others with the same goal. Keep a one--sentence journal where you can write one sentence every day about your progress or how you feel. Create a reward system for yourself. Break your resolution or plan into increments and set up ways to reward yourself for each step.