www.happiness-project.com Forty-four percent of Americans make New Year's resolutions, and I know I always do. I'm more inclined to make resolutions than ever, in fact, because if my happiness project has convinced me of anything, it has convinced me that resolutions -- made right -- can make a huge difference in boosting happiness. So how do you resolve well? This is trickier than it sounds. Here are some tips for making your resolutions as effective as possible. Remember, right now, you're in the planning stage. Don't feel like you have to do anything yet! Just start thinking about what would make 2011 a happier year. 1. Ask: "What would make me happier?" It might having more of something good -- more fun with friends, more time for a hobby. It might be less of something bad -- less yelling at your kids, less nagging of your spouse. It might be fixing something that doesn't feel right -- more time spent volunteering, more time doing something to make someone else happier. 2. Ask: "What is a concrete action that would bring about change?" One common problem is that people make abstract resolutions, which are hard to keep. "Be more optimistic," "Find more joy in life," "Enjoy now," are resolutions that are hard to measure and therefore difficult to keep. Instead, look for a specific, measurable action. "Distract myself with fun music when I'm feeling gloomy," "Watch at least one movie each week," "Buy a lovely plant for my desk" are resolutions that will carry you toward ...
Keywords: happiness, happiness challenge, resolutions, change, habits, New Year, goals, psychology, relationships, health
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