Resolution Solution

If you’re making New Year’s resolutions, avoid resolving to do something every day, like “exercise every morning before work.” Sooner or later you’re going to have an unusually hectic or challenging day, and you won’t be able to keep that resolution. When that happens, you might be tempted to give up on a positive trend simply because you missed one day of activity due to circumstances beyond your control.

Instead, build flexibility into your plan. Set weekly or monthly goals, and give yourself grace days, as in “I’m taking a grace day on my ab workout, because my dog needed an emergency trip to the vet.”

Don’t set yourself up for disappointment by setting impractical goals. Set flexible guidelines that keep you going in a positive direction through the ups and downs of life.