The year is almost at its end, and we stand on the threshold of the year 2020.

For many, this time of year signifies a long-held tradition—the setting of New Year’s resolutions.

To be sure, maintaining resolutions can be difficult.  Some have ‘thrown in the towel’ on this tradition finding it difficult to uphold throughout the year, the heartfelt, hopeful goals expressed in excitement in January.

Yello is here to say don’t give in to disillusionment.  While statistics presented by the US News showed that 80% of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned before the first half of the year, it is possible to remain committed to your resolutions.

Don’t become a statistic!

Before you begin impulsively uttering your resolutions, let’s discuss one of the main reasons why they fail.  We understand the attraction of a new year, suddenly there seems to be an opportunity to begin anew.  However, the excited declaration to lose weight, save more, reduce debt, eat healthier subsides into an aggrieved murmur revealing little determination and zero motivation.

William James, the American philosopher and psychologist, said: “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds can change the outer aspect of their lives.” So the key to keeping your resolutions this year is—changing your mind!

The resulting question is how?  How do you go about changing the way you think?  Here are a few practical ways that can help you.

Times of Reflection

Choose a day in the week and spend a few hours in self-reflection. As your goal is to set resolutions for the new year, list those resolutions and review them individually.  Ask yourself if you believe you can accomplish them and examine your responses especially if it’s in the negative.

Motivational Videos

Now, motivational videos may sound cliché but they can be incredibly inspiring.  Check out personal development trainer, Brendon Burchard’s videos.  Brendon offers witty and practical instructions on self-development which are as entertaining as they are helpful. He’s excellent at offering concrete and measurable tasks.

Quote Collecting

We troll the internet for all kinds of things.  Why not search for quotes that inspire and provoke you to think and act differently.  At brainyquotes.com you’ll find gems like the late Audrey Hepburn’s: “There is no such thing as impossible.  The very word says: I’m possible.”

Positive Self-talk

Do you talk to yourself?  Come on, be honest.  We all do. Now, have you ever paid attention to what you say?  We’re not talking about the mumbling a reminder about a task, or venting about a situation that annoyed you.  We’re talking about negative self-talk.  It’s time to change that to something positive.  It comes with practice, but its time to arrest those negative whispers and replace them with a thought that builds your self-esteem.  Why not begin with identifying your strengths.

Read Someone’s Story

Autobiographies are incredibly motivating.  Learning about other people’s difficulties, failures and victories are uplifting.   And, if reading is not your thing then do an audiobook or have a “true-life story” marathon.  To get you started, Hacksaw Ridge is awesome. Based on a true story, it depicts the life of Pfc. Desmond T. Doss a soldier in World War II.  The movie explores Pfc. Doss resolute refusal to bear arms on religious grounds despite the many hardships that decision brought, and being awarded the United States Congressional Medal of Honor.

There you have it.  We do hope our tips prove to be useful.

Remember, making resolutions is not a bad thing.  And, don’t let past failures discourage you. Make a new attempt, but align your thinking with your list.  Work on your mind, and it will translate into changed actions.

Sources: US News & World Report