CitySaheli knows that most resolutions are made to be broken, however we are here to help avoid any future guilt by helping you set SMART goals from the start. 

SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely

Remember that even if you stray from your New Year’s promise, it’s okay to restart since your resolutions are there to better yourself.  CitySaheli has outlined some common resolutions and some ways you can make them stick.   

CitySaheli has full faith that you will accomplish your goals once you set your mind to it.  We encourage you to evaluate your goals periodically, at minimum quarterly, but if possible on a weekly schedule, so you can measure progress in a timely manner.   Let’s resolve together to be even more fabulous in 2010!  Happy New Years and let’s make 2010 a good one! 

Go on the latest Fad Diet

Most fad diets yield temporary results which will not get you to your goal of effective weight loss.  Instead of going on a diet this year, resolve to make healthier choices by adopting a new lifestyle. In addition to taking away high calorie and fatty foods, add healthier options to your plate.  For instance, you can substitute fresh fruit with yogurt for breakfast instead of the usual Venti Caramel Macchiato, or have a light salad for lunch instead of the Chipotle veggie burrito bowl, or drink sparkling water instead of soda for the same carbonated feel.  Little changes go a long way and although you may not see immediate results, this lifestyle change will benefit you in the long run.

Hit the gym everyday

Near New Year’s , the gym is packed with people with promises to gym daily, however we quickly see much less attendance by the end of January.  Instead of vowing to go everyday and making the gym a chore, try incorporating it with your social calendar.  Take a dance class with your significant other or hit up a kickboxing class with your girlfriends so you are active and social at the same time. Research shows that having a partner in crime at the gym will make you go more often and stick to a routine.  So, instead of meeting your girlfriends at a happy hour at the local pub, be sure to organize a girl’s night out at lotus hour at the nearest yoga studio in 2010!

Keeping in Touch

We applaud your initiative. This is a terrific resolution but hinges on a timely response.  The best way we know how to stay on track with this resolution is to set aside time each day to catch up with a few of your family and friends.  It’s not a chore, but having some organization goes a long way.   Setting up a calendar with important dates in your phone or email  is our top pick for enabling this goal.  The more systems you can devise to remind you of upcoming dates the better the chance you will actually get around to shipping those cookies to your niece at camp or calling a friend who moved away.

Charity Work

It’s always good to give back and it couldn’t be easier to achieve this goal with the abundance of resources and common interests amongst your friends.  You can incorporate your personal hobbies and staying active in the mix to make it an enjoyable time all around.  Urban youth activities are common in NYC and firms like MindsMatter.org make it easy to participate in various programs early Saturdays to avoid conflicts with the rest of your weekend.  Similarly, you can grab a friend or few, and pick up specific activities (basketball, feeding the hungry, arts, tutoring, etc.) as part of NYCares.org, which are offered at various times.   Also explore the various programs offered through work and make it a work charity event.