The New Year means renewal and reflection.

As parents and individuals, it’s important to evaluate the year and look within ourselves to reflect on what we have done for ourselves, those we love, our community and our country.

Setting a New Year’s resolution may not come easily for some.

Here is a quick guide to help you as you plan for your New Year Resolutions.

1. Segment your resolution 

You can divide your resolutions according to the various aspects of your life. For example, your family, friends, spirituality and career.

Under the category of family, you can ask yourself how would you want to be a better mother / father / daughter / son / brother / sister. What do you hope to improve and better in these relationships?

As a colleague or boss, what can you do to enable your workers to be happier? How can you create a more pro-family and warm work environment?

2. Be realistic, start small

One classic mistake is for people to start off with a resolution that is overly ambitious. Habits don’t change overnight. Start small for results. Choose something that has a reasonable chance of success.

3. Keep Trying

If you feel like running out of steam after two months or so, don’t despair yet. Start over again. Renew your commitment in the next 24 hours, and then review them again in the week. Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality.

4. Use empowering and positive words

Use words that uplift and make your feel better and stronger. For example, determined, loving, caring, brave and assertive.

5. Stick it somewhere obvious

If it is out of sight, it will be out of your mind. Place it somewhere you will pass by at home and remember.

6. Share it!

Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Children are great when it comes to reminder habits we want to change. They can point out the smallest things and sometimes this may drive us up the wall, but they are the best reminders. Get the support of your spouse and friends.

7. Revisit and change it if you need to

After some time and you find that your new year’s plan does not seem to be working or going in the direction you want, then it may need some tweaking. Habit change needs self-experimentation and time.

8. Celebrate!

Lost your temper at your wife? Yelled at your child? It’s okay if you make the occasional slip. Don’t fret the small stuff get to you and don’t beat yourself up over it. Do the best you can, one breath a day, one day at a time.

Your resolution is not just a change for you, but it could also mean transformation for your child and those around you.

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