Quitting smoking still the most popular
No matter what your resolution, here are some ways to make it actually happen:
1. YOU have to want it. If you're giving in to a friend's or your spouse's wishes, you won't be as determined
2. Go beyond the wish: make a plan to reach your goal.
Dr. Rich O'Neill, psychologist at SUNY Upstate, uses SMART:
S: specific goal
M: measurable outcome
A: action-oriented
R: realistic
T: timed
In other words, include concrete plans: how much weight are you losing, what are you doing toward that goal, and by when?
Quitting smoking is the #1 New Year's resolution, and Leslie Holmberg, RN, who runs St. Joseph's Hospital's Tobacco Cessation Center, says you should also get help on this one. There are lots of 'devices' including patches, gum and even inhalers to get you over cigarette craving. Also check out theNew York State Smokers' Quitline, which will do a free personalized online quit plan for you. It can also be reached at 1-866-NY-QUITS.
Both Holmberg and O'Neill say don't get discouraged if you break that resolution--consider it a correctable experience on where you went wrong, and keep trying. And, you don't have to wait til NEXT New Year's to try again!
