Let’s Face RESOLUTIONS THAT LAST!
The problem with New Year’s resolutions is that they fade so quickly. Recently, more and more, I hear people say they don’t even bother making a New Year’s resolution! Is this because they have set themselves up for failure too many times in the past? Is it because they make such far-stretched goals, they always seem out of reach? Or is it because they are perfectly happy with every area of their life and work and do not want anything to improve? I highly doubt the latter is the case!
I like to think of a resolution as more of a reflection. If every year, you say: “I am going to lose the excess weight” and every year you gain 5-10 more pounds, then what is the likelihood that this year would be any different? Reflect on what it was last year that did not bring you to your goals… was it because you only used your gym membership 7 times in the last year?? If so, maybe your resolution shouldn’t be losing excess weight, it should be “going to the gym 2x every week”… let the weight loss be a side effect to a more active and rational resolution. If going to the gym isn’t even your style, maybe the phrasing is more like “getting active 2x a week.” Active could be joining a co-ed softball league, power walking/jogging or even taking the kids out to the park and playing tag! You catch my drift.
You can never reach any goal without writing it down. Have that visual every day. Place it on post it notes on the refrigerator and the medicine cabinet so each day you read “go to the gym!” or “move your body!” Even if you ignore it a few times, it will keep reminding you! And it also makes for great small talk when you have company over and they read your post-it notes too! You might even get a workout buddy out of it 
Be practical when making any goals as well… if losing 15 pounds seems like a lot to conquer, make a smaller goal. Start with 5 pounds! And always make a timeline. If you do not have a specific time set forth to reach that goal, then how on earth will you ever get there. And keep the goals in positive wording and use active words that place you into the goal, as if you have already accomplished it. See yourself accomplishing it. Do not ever use the word “not” or any variation of a negative; subconsciously this can create negative outcomes and failure. So change the wording up… tell yourself “by March, I have lost 5 pounds!” Rather than “this year I am going to try to lose 15 pounds.” The specific time (this March) and a specific short term goal makes it more tangible. You can set up a weekly plan to see how to get there in 7-8 weeks rather than leaving it open ended. And by placing yourself inside the goal “I have lost” rather than “am going to try to lose” places you actively in this positive change.
One last thing I can add about goals and resolutions: try to gain support from your friends and family. If you don’t have a supportive mom, leave her out of the loop… if your best friend is negative, don’t tell them your goals. Try to share your efforts with people who support and care about your well-being. A support team is a great way to stay accountable and it also helps you track your success. Even if it is only 1 or 2 of your closest friends… tell them you are setting a goal to lose weight, you are looking for their support and you will be sending them a weekly email to let them know what you have done to stay on tack and make this goal become a reality. Who knows, you might inspire them to take action on their personal goals as well
Above all, I hope everyone has enjoyed entering this New Year! May 2012 bring you more success, better health and many blessings! Keep it real.
