The tradition of a New Year’s Resolution can be traced right back to ancient Babylon, where Babylonians promised their God that they would return all borrowed objects and debt from the previous year. This tradition has evolved and today a New Year’s Resolution is more about doing things that we missed out on doing last year. Many consider it as a starting point, the right time to make life-changing decision and start afresh.
What about you? Have you made your New Year’s Resolutions? If not, consider this list of oral health resolutions to get you started. If yes, how do you make sure you stick to it? (Infinitely more difficult than making one!)
Here’s help for how to make yours stick:
Be Realistic
Celebrities are saying they’ll go vegan starting this year. My best friend says she will quit drinking.
Good motivation, but doesn’t necessarily spell achievable for everyone. Don’t hurry to make a resolution just because everybody seems to be doing it. It can only lead to disappointment and adding another one to the list of failed resolutions! Rather than selecting one big goal, break it down to small, attainable goals. Small accomplishments will build a positive mindset, which will help you keep at it.
Take Small Steps
Now that’s a life lesson; remember baby steps. Your New Year’s Resolution is a fresh start for you; take small steps towards the things you need to change. For example, if you resolve to get fit in the new year, do not immediately get into a rigorous exercise regime. Your body will not be able to adjust and will give up on you and your resolution! Go one step at a time.
Find a Partner
Partner up; think Hewlett Packard, Bonnie and Clyde if you will! Find someone who has the same or a similar goal as yours. Talk about your resolution to your friends, coworkers and relatives. One of them is bound to be partner-in-resolution material. Talk to them about how you are keeping up, a new tip you came across, and anything else. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens his friend.” True that!
Your New Year’s Resolutions need not be an impulsive, achieve-this-year affair. It could be a start, a step towards some real lifestyle changes. Equipped with the proper motivation, these tips and a whole lot of resolve, step into a life changing New Year!
*Updated December 2019
