Take Back Your Life in 2008: Make and Keep Your 2008 Resolutions!
by Kathleen Hall, Ph.D.

Resolutions, oh, resolutions… Why is it that most of us fail to keep our New Year resolutions? We are so overbooked, overworked, and overwhelmed; our resolutions just become another "wish" list for a new life of happiness and peace that continues to elude us.

"Before setting your goals for 2008, it is important to take a snapshot of 2007," says Dr. Kathleen Hall. "Most of us are tired of living our precious lives like Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day." Take action to take back your life this year. Make your daily life what you want it to be, not only the routine you have fallen into.

Dr. Hall's Tips to Take Back Your Life:

1. Create: A Theme for 2008. Name 2008 with one word that would describe what you want this year to embody. (For example: Forgiveness, Success, Prosperity, Love) What word would you use to describe your experience of last year, 2007?
2. Choose: Concrete Goals. Choose only three things you would like to create in your life this year. Write them down. Commit with a ritual or ceremony to symbolize your commitment. Make a step-by-step plan. Assess your goals every week. (For example: new job, better marriage, reduce my debt, get healthy).
3. Reinforce. Create an intention statement or a positive affirmation. This creates energy, focus, and confidence in your goal. Repeat it often during your busy day. Stick notes along your daily routine--on the mirror, refrigerator, in your car, or on your computer. (For example: Life is good, I am healthy and strong).
4. Remind. Use physical, sensory reminders that reinforce your memory. Listen to motivational music or tapes of inspirational people you enjoy.
5. Connect. There is increasing scientific evidence that your community keeps you healthy. Enlist support from friends and family. Join online groups and blog lists.
6. Stress. Stress forces us back into old habits. Each time some event or person hits your stress trigger, practice stress reduction techniques. Do something fun at least once a day.

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