New year’s resolutions require firm planning

ALBANY — For a lot of folks, now that we’re past the year-end frenzy of the holidays and poised to start anew, it’s tradition to declare our dedication to at least one change for the better in 2015.

Maybe we want to lose weight, give up smoking or drinking, or make a better showing in school or at our jobs. Some us will resolve to take a trip, manage stress or even volunteer to help others less fortunate.

The bad news: According to research done by statisticbrain.com, less than 10 percent of those who form those earnest promises to themselves will find success in their achievement.

But don’t tell that to Cara and Denny Hill, who said on Saturday they plan to exercise, eat better and become all-around healthier people by the end of the year.

“I’ll start by just knocking around the neighborhood before I get to jogging seriously,” said Denny Hill, 42, who said he plans to lose 30 pounds. “You have to walk before you run.”

Hill said his mother developed Type 2 diabetes, and exercise and weight loss should help him avoid making the disease a family tradition.

“We’ll eat more vegetables and salads, too, with the right kind of dressing,”added Hill’s wife Cara, 35.

To maximize their odds for permanent life-style change, the Hills may want to set upon their mission in a tested, systematic way. According to an article in time.com, most people fail at keeping their resolutions because they set unrealistic goals, pledge to change in a vague way, don’t bother to track their progress, focus on the negative or expose themselves to temptation.

Taking them one by one, vowing to swear off something you love or find incredibly convenient isn’t a resolution that’s likely to last, the article states. For example, if you really love fine wine, consider working toward trimming your budget for the stuff by a third or half.

Make definite, even written, statements to yourself as part of your plan of action. If you want to have more money at the end of a month, rather than declaring that you’ll “spend less” you might make a commitment of cutting $30 from your weekly grocery shopping bill.

Keep track of your progress toward the goal using a simple written record or apps and websites like Mint.com, the article states, which can be set up to automatically upload credit cards, loans or investments.

Be kind to yourself, the article recommends. Avoid shaming yourself with labels like “lazy” or “problem spender.” Focus instead on your flexibility and eagerness to learn new habits.

Finally, do your best to stay clear of temptation. If you’d like to cut down on your alcohol consumption and your neighborhood bar is the culprit, try other activities such as get-togethers at other people’s homes. If shopping is you nemesis, cut off those email blasts and give a wide berth to the mall.

By setting realistic, specific, actionable goals and arming yourself with new tools and a positive attitude, you can substantially raise you odds of meeting those admirable goals for 2015.