Avoid "Black & White" Thinking

At the beginning of a new year, we typically make resolutions to get more organized, lose weight, etc. But we give up these resolutions early on when we slip up and do something that goes against these lofty goals we have set for ourselves. The main problem here is black and white thinking, which has us approaching our resolutions in an all or nothing manner. If we are dieting, and we eat a cookie, we have failed. If we are trying to get organized, and the closet is a disaster, there is no point in trying. However, if you take a less severe approach to moving towards your goals, you can get there, one step at a time, even if some of the steps may be backwards. Two steps back and three steps forward is still making progress. Remind yourself of your goals and recommit yourself to them and you will see gradual changes.