HOW TO: Stick To Your New Years Resolutions

It’s that time when New Years is beginning to fade slightly in our minds and, with it, our resolutions. But fear not! We at Tarcher are here to help. Below you’ll find some helpful tips adapted from a new book called PATIENCE: The Art of Peaceful Living that will help you remain steadfast in your New Years resolutions!

• Be Aware - This is where it all starts. The mind holds the key to your resolve and is the sole party responsible for breaking, or keeping, a resolution. Commit to taking time each day to sit down, even for a minute, to practice detailed awareness of the workings of your mind. Just be aware, don’t judge. It is a sophisticated skill and takes time to learn, but even your initial efforts can yield benefits. Let go of thoughts that will lead to stress, discomfort, or worry and welcome thoughts that will lead to happiness. While ultimately patience is practiced in the company of others, the starting place is in your own mind.
• Think Back - No one likes messing up. In fact, people hate it so much that they don’t even like to think about the idea of messing up. Sit quietly and recall or envision someone you know “losing it,” whether it be becoming impatient and angry, breaking a promise, or some other scenario. Take time and feel what they felt, and what you feel now. After a minute or two, consider whether this is the way you want to act. Sometimes the best way to avoid mistakes is to remember past ones.
• Take Time – Often, when we set goals for ourselves, we aspire to total perfection. Of course, the reality is that nothing is perfect, not even the task of perfecting ourselves. Stay in tune with yourself as you work your New Years resolution into your daily life. If you find yourself struggling, take a break. For a few minutes, close your eyes and do a detailed body scan starting at the top of your head, proceeding down to the toes. Then bring your awareness to the sensations of the breath and just observe for at least five breaths. Remind yourself that your mental and emotional health are important. During these breaks, don’t answer the phone or respond to e-mails or texts. When  possible, take a short walk outside. This practice is to help refocus yourself on your goal path, especially during a difficult period.

If you like what you read, you can purchase PATIENCE on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Indiebound!