Following Through on Change

This is the time of year when most people have given up on a New Year’s resolution and fallen prey to old habits. This means unhealthy diets, minimal exercising, smoking, too much drinking, succumbing to anger, giving up on therapy, not pursuing a new job, and not saving money. (Click on the link below for a list of common New Year’s resolutions that are broken.)  Gym traffic begins to return to normal because New Year’s resolutions have lost their luster. Trying something new or making a substantial life change can be very difficult whether it is physical or psychological. I recently came across some information on temperament and personality types that might help with your pursuit of change. Listed below are temperaments/personality characteristics that influence the path to change. Which category best describes you?

1. Novelty seeking: These individuals are excited to try something new and different, sometimes act on an impulse, and are not deterred when initially trying something different. On the flip-side these people are easily bored and often restless. They tend to be enthusiastic about a New Year’s resolution, but stop within a few weeks.
2. Harm avoidant: These are the people who play it safe. They often stick to what is comfortable and known because trying something new has the potential for some form of discomfort. They are less likely to even think of a New Year’s resolution than others. They may decide to forego on a gym membership because exercise is hard, meeting new people is unnerving, or learning how to use the equipment could potentially be embarrassing. They may decide to stay home and not go out to a party with a friend because those in attendance are unfamiliar.
3. Reward dependent: These are your pleasure seekers. They are going to try something new to reap the benefits. They are focused on the light at the end of the tunnel, but they have to be cautious of being deterred when the rewards are out of reach or not happening as often as they would like.   

 
One overarching factor that plays a role in all of these personality characteristics is persistence. Being aware of which group(s) best describes you, along with your level of persistence can prove useful in the process of change. You will be armed with valuable information that can help you avoid pitfalls, work through personal roadblocks, and stay motivated.
 
http://list25.com/25-of-the-most-popular-and-commonly-broken-new-year-resolutions/1/