I RESOLVE TO . . .

I Resolve To® . . . News Articles & Resolution Blogs

Since 2005 when I began been blogging about, and tracking my New Year Resolutions, I have learned a great deal about what works and what doesn't work.  In addition to using myself as a case study, I have done a daily study of news articles, polls, 'how to columns', research, and individual blog posts by people who are working on their New Year Resolutions.  It has been a fascinating journey.  Early on, I came to the conclusion that success can be had if you 'keep it simple' and consistently use common sense.  I base my own I Resolve To . . . System for keeping New Year Resolutions on practical principles that have worked for me, year-after-year:  Be willing to work hard, stay committed, and take one small step after another every single day (my Toolkit on the left sidebar provides common sense strategies and tips).   

This column is part of a continuing series that chronicles some of what I have learned in my daily effort to educate myself about resolution-keeping.  Each day, I read dozens of 'Google News Alerts' about New Year Resolutions.  We so often hear that most people 'do not' keep their resolutions.  Actually, what I have learned in my daily journey through my alerts (and the Internet) is that there is a striking number of people who 'do keep their resolutions'.   In coming months, I intend to highlight posts by 'Resolutionistas' - those who make resolutions, keep resolutions and enjoy the journey.  I also have compiled, and will share, an array of studies, polls, and 'how to' articles.

New Year Resolution Blog Posts:

• JD2718 - Resolution Update
• MPXL.Blogspot - Resolutions
• Connecticut Bob - Reaching My Goal
• The Soapbox Queens - May Resolutions
• Sci Fi Watch - New Year's Resolutions 2009
• Stuart's Irreverant And Friviolous Tennis Blog
• Backpacker.Com - Q&A Hal Summers Of Hike Every Day
• TrailerPilot.Com - Fresh Feats:  Women In Dance Edition
• JeetsPicADay.Blogspot.Com - A Picture.  A Day.  For A Year
• Hounding With Thrifty Puppy - Couponing New Year Resolution
• BookStorePeople.Com - Part Of My New Year's Resolution Is Completed
• A Positive Revolution - How To Use A Countdown To Keep Up Your Motivation
• The Lunchbox Project - Forget Dieting, My New Year's Resolution Is To Eat Big!
• TheBloomingPlatter.Blogspot.Com - A Bounty of Vegan Recipes from Betsy DiJulio
• HikeEveryDay.Blogspot.Com - Hal Summer's Hiking Resolution, 365 Days, 365 Hikes
• Habitual-Offender.Blogspot.Com - New Year's Resolution 2009:  Make Life Beautiful

News, Studies & 'How To' Articles:  

• NoMacheteJuggling.Com - How I Lost 90 Pounds In One Year
• About.Com:  Teen Advice - New Year's Resolutions For Teens
• Cellcom Green Bay Marathon Profile In Green Bay Press-Gazette - Erica Schulz

Remember:  I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress:  I Resolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com.

Kim M. Simpson - May 27, 2009
Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . * All Rights Reserved      

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress:  I Resolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com.

Kim M. Simpson - May 27, 2009
Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . * All Rights Reserved      

Time Magazine Article: Is There A Laziness Gene?

Are your New Year Resolutions long forgotten?  Do you have a hard time dragging yourself off the couch to exercise?  Tough to motivate yourself?  In my daily pursuit of finding information about news, information and advice about ways achieve dreams, resolutions and daily goals I ran across an article by Deirdre van Dyk that was published by Time Magazine this week.  According to the article:

"Based on some intriguing, preliminary studies in animals, J. Timothy Lightfoot, a kinesiologist, and his team at University of North Carolina, Charlotte, suggest that genetics may indeed predispose some of us for sloth.  Using mice specially bred and selected according to their activity levels, Lightfood identified 20 different genomic locations that work in tandem to influence activity levels in mice - specifically how far the animals will run."

It's a great article - here is a PDF version TimeLazinessJuly3008.pdf

Remember:  I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - August 1, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Remember:  I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - August 1, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Happiest Day Of Year - Cliff Arnall Formula

Today, June 20th - the Summer Solstice, and longest day of the year - is also the happiest day of the year according to a UK academic who researched and created a formula that assesses 'happiness'.  A Telegraph article posted this morning, describes Cliff Arnall, a psychologist and former tutor at Cardiff University, as an academic who developed an equation that measures happiness:

O + (N xS) = Cpm/T + He

If you would like to read more, have a look at the article TelegraphUKHappiestDay6-20-08.pdf.  And enjoy the Summer Solstice, it only comes around once every year!  The summer months also provide a wonderful opportunity to put dreams, resolutions and daily goals on the front burner!  Rather than lazing away the dog days of summer, use some of these wonderful, warm, sunny days to pump energy and passion into your dreams.  What do you have to lose?  You just might have everything in the world to gain - including a big dose of reward, joy, fulfillment, and happiness!

Remember:  I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - June 20, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Remember:  I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - June 20, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Los Angeles Times Article - New Year Resolution Contract

The Los Angeles Times printed an article today that might help some folks to stick with their New Year Resolutions by 'putting their money where their resolution is'.  The article, 'Lose Weight?  Bet On It', by Ian Ayres - LATimesArticleJanuary272007.pdf , urges us to promise a friend or colleague that we will make and keep a resolution (lose weight and keep it off for instance), and back that promise up with a commitment contract - i.e. put money as risk each week in a bet of sorts.  If we fail to meet the goal, our friend wins the bet and reaps the cash.  It's an interesting idea. 

Here at IResolveTo.Com, I urge folks to make just one resolution about which they have great interest and desire.  Instead of doing something that you 'don't want to do - do something that you would truly love to do - pursue a dream!

If you really want to succeed, start with your dream.   Turn that dream into a concise, specific, one sentence resolution.  Make that resolution a reality with daily goals for a year.  That's the I Resolve To . . . Formula For Success: 

Dream + Resolution + Daily Goals = Success, Reward & Fulfillment. 

I also urge folks to sign the I Resolve To Promise - IResolveToPromise.pdf - which includes 10 simple, common sense Do's and Don'ts to use as a system for achieving your dream, resolution and daily goals.  It's never too early or too late to fulfill a dream, keep a resolution, and achieve your daily goals.  Why not start now?  Stop procrastinating.  Take action today!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - January 27, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Whole Foods Market Survey Released

Whole Foods Market has released a national survey that revealed that more than 75% of Americans would prefer to adopt long-term healthy lifestyle solutions rather than make New Year Resolutions.  Interestingly, 33% of the respondents 'chose making the world a better place' as their top resolution in 2008; while 32% of those surveyed said that 'spending more time with family' would be their top choice in the New Year.  Losing weight and adopting healthy habits is typically at the top of most surveys - in this case, that resolution came in third at 23%.  Have a look at the survey, it's an interesting read:  WholeFoodsSurvey2007.pdf

I like the notion that folks would prefer to adopt long- term healthy lifestyle solutions rather than make a resolution on New Year's Day and abandon it days, or weeks later.  I firmly believe that people can use the practice of making resolutions in a beneficial way - one that doesn't lead to guilt and failure.  That's why I work so hard here at IResolveTo.Com to urge folks to change the paradigm and think outside the box.  Instead of making that long list of negative things that folks feel they should change on January 1 - I urge them to adopt just one positive resolution, a dream, that they would truly love to pursue each and every day. 

The odds of succeeding grow exponentially when a person is inspired, interested and committed.  Beyond that, consider the downside of 'never trying' - where is the magic in life without dreams and achievement?  If you never try, instead of guilt or failure, you end up with regret for all that you 'didn't do'.  Maybe it's time to pull a dream off your list and 'go for it'.  What do you have to lose?  Consider all that you have to gain . . .

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - January 5, 2008
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

San Francisco Chronicle Tips For Small Business Owners Making New Year Resolutions

New Year Resolutions come in all shapes and sizes just like their owners and authors.  The New Year is a wonderful opportunity to make and keep personal resolutions and business resolutions.  I scour news articles and blog posts every day looking for interesting news and information that can be used to fuel the fire of dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  The San Francisco Chronicle ran an infomative story that lends inspiration to small business owners - and perhaps some prospective 'small business owners', as well, who dream about starting a business.  Click here to read the full article:  SFCBizTips.pdf

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - December 30, 2007
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

City of Sydney Survey - New Year Resolutions

The Sydney Morning Herald in Syndey, New South Wales Australia, ran an interesting article about a City of Sydney Survey on New Year Resolutions.  Not suprisingly, 'Lose Weight And Be Healthier' ranks number one on the list, followed by 'Lead A Greener Lifesyle' in the number two spot.  In the number three, four and five slots, respectively:  'Pay off Credit Card Debt, Quit Smoking and Donate To Charity'.

According to the Morning Herald article, the Pureprofile research surveyed more than 300 people in New South Wales between December 21 and December 24.  To read the full article click this link: CityofSydneySurvey.pdf

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - December 29, 2007
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

UK New Year Resolution Study Results Released

The BBC is reporting that a UK university study found that only 12% of 3,000 participants kept their resolutions throughout all 12 months in 2007.  The study was performed by Professor Richard Wiseman who is based at the University of Hertfordshire.  According to the BBC article, the study suggests that men should set specific goals and women should tell the world about their resolution if they want to succeed.  The study also suggests that it is important 'not to wait until New Year's Eve to make the resolution'.

To read the full BBC article, click here:  BBCResolutionStudy.pdf 

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - December 28, 2007
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Franklin Covey 2007 Survey On New Year Resolutions

I rely on Google Alerts to keep me 'in the know' daily about news, articles, blog posts, and other information related to New Year Resolutions.  A Google Alert this week included a survey by Franklin Covey that found getting out of debt or saving money, losing weight and developing a healthy habit like exercise or healthy eating are the top three resolutions or goals respectively for 15,031 of the Franklin Covey customers that were polled.  Franklin Covey provides effectiveness training, productivity tools, and assessment services.

An article on the survey was provided this week on Business Wire.  Click here for a PDF of the BusinessWire article:   FranklinCovey2008NewYearSurvey.pdf

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps:  Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good!  Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey!  Let's Go For It!

Need More Inspiration?  Wear Your Resolution!  Make Every Day New Year's Day.  Make Every Day Count.  Visit my resolution shop by clicking this link:  http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Kim M. Simpson - December 19, 2007
Copyright © I Resolve To™ . . . * All Rights Reserved

Mazzuca: Why Wait 'Til New Year's Article

I want to share this Vail Daily article by Butch Mazzuca - NewYearGivingNovember2007.pdf  - I found it to be useful and inspiring.  Enjoy your week!

Interesting Article About Exercise & Moderation

I ran across this Nashua Telegraph article, HolidayEatingNov2007.pdf,  which bolsters what I wrote today about exercising moderation during the 2007 holiday season.  It's worth a read . . .

Interesting Newsweek Article

If you want to keep your New Year resolutions, fulfill your dreams and achieve your goals it pays to do your homework.  With that in mind I regularly review the latest news on the 'how to's' of achieving resolutions.

Newsweek Magazine published an interesting article this week:  When Best Intentions Aren't Enough - Recent Studies Shed Light On Why It Can Be So Difficult To Stick To New Year's Resolutions, by Wray Herbert.  Herbert writes the "We're Only Human . . ." blog that appears at PsychologicalScience.org.  It's an interesting article, I'm attaching it here:  NewsweekMindMatters2007.pdf.  Have a look . . .

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today!

Kim M. Simpson - February 1, 2007
Copyright © I Resolve To™ * All Rights Reserved

Interesting Tesco Theory - February 12th Is D-Day For Resolutions

How is the 2007 resolution going?  Did you make yourself a promise with the intention to 'keep it' this year?  I hope you're inspired and determined.  Based on all the statistics, it's at this point in the year when it's harder and harder for most folks to 'stick with their resolutions'.  With that in mind, I ran across an interesting article published on FemaleFirst.co.uk today, that discusses a theory on 'resolution willpower' that is being publicized by British retailer Tesco.

According to Tesco analysts who have been souring retail data, February 12 is the date on which most resolutions will fail.  They're calling it D-Day for resolutions.  They're basing their theory on what folks are buying (December, compared with January, February and so on).  The Tesco analysts are seeing increases in chocolate bars, sparkling wine, etc., as willpower wanes in January.  It's an interesting theory, have a look - I'm attaching the article, FemaleFirstJanuary292007.pdf .

So how about it?  Are you in it for the long haul?  Are you determined this year to make and keep a resolution?  Maybe even a resolution to achieve a long-held dream, and make it a lifetime dream?  If you're in it for the long haul, and willing to go all the way, you'll experience great personal reward in 2007. 

If you're not quite ready to tackle your dream, don't give up - try something small first.  If your dream is to 'get fit' and eventually run a marathon - start small:  find a buddy and walk for 30-minutes each day.  Work into your dream gradually.  Take one small step each day and get some momentum going.  The key is to 'act' on your decision to 'achieve' this year, and to 'act' on your dream each and every day!

Don't let your dream fall by the wayside on February 12, or sooner - prove the Tesco analysts wrong!

Remember:  I Resolve To Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year.  It's your choice.  Do it today!

Kim M. Simpson - January 29, 2007
Copyright © I Resolve To™ * All Rights Reserved

I Resolve To . . . Interesting Opinion Research Poll

Maybe the practice of making and keeping New Year Resolutions isn't a thing of the past!  A DayTimers December 2006 New Year's Resolution Survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation revealed that more than 80% of U.S. adults, 18 and older, have made and kept one or more New Year's Resolutions in the past five years. 

DayTimers, a subsidiary of ACCO Brands, is the leading company providing time management solutions and organization tools.  According to a press release issued December 26, 2006, the DayTimers' Survey was conducted via telephone by Opinion Research Corporation December 15-18, 2006, as part of an omnibus study that included 1,031 adults (in three broad categories:  health-related, finance-related, and time management-work/life balance-related resolutions).

Interestingly, only 15% of the adults survey did not make resolutions during the past five years; and the top health-related resolution success stories included:  Eating Healthier 55%, Increasing Exercise 51%, Losing Weight 39%, and Reducing Stress 39%.  According to the DayTimer Survey, other top resolution achievements inlcuded Paying Off Debt 45%, Saving More Money 43%, Spending More Time With Family 45%, and Getting Organized 45%.

Interesting survey!  I'm attaching the DayTimersSurveyDecember2006.pdf, have a look.  I'm happy to hear so many people are making and keeping their resolutions, contrary to everything that you read and hear!  Good Luck with your 2007 resolution . . . 

Kim M. Simpson - January 3, 2007
Copyright I Resolve To, Inc. * All Rights Reserved

Dear Abby's Resolutions

I've often seen Dear Abby's New Year Resolutions printed at the beginning of a New Year.  The resolutions were adapted from the original credo of Al-Anon by Pauline Phillips, who founded the Dear Abby column (the writer known as Abigail Van Buren; and today written under the same pen name by her daughter, Jeanne Phillips).   Much of what she writes applies to the premise behind my I Resolve To . . . program, which I'm sharing throughout 2006-2007 on this blog:  One resolution, one day at a time, for one year.

I'd like to share what Dear Abby wrote in her New Year Resolution article:

JUST FOR TODAY, I will live through this day only.  I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow.  I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.  I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will be happy.  I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me.  If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will accept what is.  I will face reality.  I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those that I cannot.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will improve my mind.  I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.  I will not be a mental loafer.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable.  I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others.  I'll improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking.  Just for today, I'll refrain from improving anybody but myself.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will do something positive to improve my health.  If I'm a smoker, I'll quit.  If I'm overweight, I'll eat healthily--if only for today.  And not only that, I'll get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

Adapted by Dear Abby - Abigail Van Buren (Pauline Phillips) - from the Al-Anon Credo