I RESOLVE TO . . .

I Resolve To® . . . Featured In The Fredericksburg Freelance Star Today!

A reporter from the Fredericksburg Freelance Star interviewed me recently as part of a story about the best ways to 'resolve' - make and keep New Year Resolutions.  It's an interesting article that features folks who take their New Year Resolutions very seriously.  Click here for a PDF version of the story:  FreelanceStar1-3-10 . . .

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.   Get going on your 2010 New Year Resolutions with the new I Resolve To . . . Worksheet & Promise:  I Resolve To . . . Worksheet & Promise.

Kim M. Simpson - January 3, 2010
Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . * All Rights Reserved.

Kim M. Simpson - January 3, 2010
Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . * All Rights Reserved.

I Resolve To® . . . News Of Note: Study Shows Habits Form In 66 Days.

Do you stick with your New Year Resolutions, or abandon them in a matter of weeks or days?  I am fascinated by related news and studies and discovered a recent Telegraph.Co.UK article about research that investigates how long it takes to form a habit that is being reported in the European Journal of Social Psychology.

According to the July 18 Telegraph Article, by Roger Dobson, ". . .The research, the first to investigate how long it takes to form a habit, has significant implications for people who want to adopt a healthy lifestyle or stick to a diet.  The same team has now been funded by the Medical Research Council for more research looking at how to use habit creation in weight loss. "What we found was that it takes 66 days on average for people in our study to acquire a habit," says Professor Jane Wardle, of University College London, who carried out the study with Dr Phillippa Lally. "It varied between individuals, but the finding is that if you do something everyday in the same situation, it will become an automatic reaction in response to those situational cues, a habit. It is the first time this has been established.""

Interested in learning more?  The article is well worth a read . . . particularly if you are struggling with your own dreams, resolutions and daily goals.  Knowledge is power.  It pays to do your homework and learn the 'who, what, when, why, how, and when' of resolution-making-and-keeping - especially all the many steps that it will take to turn a resolution into reality, or fulfill a long-held dream.  If your resolution is stuck in 'idle' maybe it is time to shift into high gear in the remaining months of 2009.  No need to wait until January 1, 2010 to make your resolution(s) a reality.  Take that first small step today, followed by the next one tomorrow . . . one small step at a time, one day at a time promotes incredible results over the long haul! 

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 - July 21, 2009
Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . * All Rights Reserved 

Kim M. Simpson - July 21, 2009
Copyright © I Resolve To® . . . * All Rights Reserved 

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