OK. It’s a new year. The holidays have come and gone, we have a new president and it’s time to think about the new “us” for 2009. One of the most popular items on our minds this time every year is the endless list of resolutions to make our lives generally better, happier, healthier and more fulfilling. It’s a common phenomenon, but many of the most well intended courses of action to improve our lot will soon fade and be forgotten. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can actually affect change in our lives if we arm ourselves with a little knowledge and self-discipline. Well…maybe more than a little.

Scott Jones is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Columbus. “Life in our modern society can be quite stressful at times,” he said. “We are so inundated with
information, technology, etc. that it makes life hard to handle. New Year’s resolutions to bring change can be born of the best intentions, but actual change can be difficult. We can muster short bursts of enthusiasm and determination, but sustaining the effort is not easy.” Jones’ advice for being successful with those personal points of self-improvement? “Do it slowly and carefully.”

Real change actually takes place slowly, he cautions. For example, you didn’t gain all that extra weight in a few days or weeks. You really can’t expect to lose it in a few days or weeks, either. It takes time and the only way to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more. Reward yourself along the way, Jones advises. Something as simple as thoughts of feeling better, looking better, breathing better can be rewarding.

The same principles of change affecting weight loss can be used in other parts of one’s personal life. The best way to avoid the yearly struggle with self-improvement resolutions is to…

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