Know the No. 1 Way to Sabotage Your New Year's Resolution

January 1 is fast approaching.  Many local residents are looking to make some lifestyle changes in 2012.  Just a few of these goals might include smoking cessation, weight loss, meal planning, running a distance event, watching less television and putting the cellular phone in the glove box while driving. 

These are wonderful examples of short and long term goals that can be adopted by anyone in the new year.  These goals are functional and specific.  When goal setting, specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time sensitive or S.M.A.R.T. goals are most commonly achieved. 

According to a recent article in Men's Health magazine, sharing your goal is the number one way to sabotage it.  Goal setters may think enlisting support from friends and family is a great strategy for accountability and support.  Research shows that those who share personal goals are at risk of failing to achieve those goals over those who keep them private. 

Choose your confidants wisely.  Wine friends may not want to hear that you are cutting back or eliminating alcohol.  Inexperienced workout partners may encourage stopping for breakfast over biceps curls.

Try using a journal as your confidant.  Write a personal mission statement.  Plan a strategy.  Take it an hour at a time instead of one day at a time.  Forgive any failures, shortcomings, or fallen hurdles.  Those moments are pivotal to success.