Ok. You’ve joined the
gym, you’ve bought the vegetables, you’ve bought the self-help books. What now?
What can you do to keep up the momentum and avoid the dust build up on
the gym shoes and that slippery slope back into refined foods? What should you do if you either have not
even started your new year’s resolutions or if your have already “fallen off
the wagon”?
These are all concerns that become very real at this time of
year. January 1st comes and
almost everyone makes a New Year’s resolution or two. February 1st comes along, and many
of those New Year’s resolutions have been blown. Does that mean we should just throw in the
towel? No, of course not. It just means you now have a chance to start
over.
1) Ask yourself is if
you set a resolution that you really want, or did you set a resolution that you
“should” do. Not sure? Then create a “pros” and “cons” list. If the “pros” outweigh the “cons”, then you
probably did want it. If they are equal,
or if you are not able to come up with many “pros” that you actually believe,
then you need a different resolution.
You have to really want that goal for it to be attainable.
2) Were you
specific? A “mamby-pamby” resolution is
easily set aside. What, exactly, is your
resolution and what, exactly, do you need to do to attain it? The more detail you put into your plan, the
more likely you will stick with it.
3) Are you being
realistic? Your resolution should
actually be attainable. For example,
avoid using “never” and “always” when setting a resolution. It is unrealistic to never eat chocolate cake
again; however, it is very realistic to eat only a small slice of cake for
special occasions. Remember: we crave what we cannot have.
4) Break your larger
resolutions into bite-sized pieces. Have
you ever heard the old adage: How do you
eat an elephant? One bit at a time. The same goes for large goals. If you’re resolution is to lose 50 pounds and
reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, then break that 50 pounds into 5-7 pounds a
month. Then, celebrate the small
successes in a way that does not sabotage your resolution.
5) Write it down and
enlist support. Find what visual aid
works best for you. Some people like
vision boards, some use Pintrist, some want photographs or quotations in a prominent
place. Then, tell your friends and
family. People who enlist support are
more likely to attain their goals. Those
rough patches are less rough when someone is counting on you or is cheering you
on.
6) Plan for
sabotage. Take full stock of what habits
will need to change. Replace the bad
habit (like snacking) with a good one (like walking). Do not just try to give up a bad habit;
denial is setting yourself up for failure.
The best thing to do is to know your triggers and be prepared. A good read on this is Art Markman’s Smart Change: Five Tools to Create new and Sustainable
Habits in Yourself and Others.
7) It is time to jump
into it with both feet. You have
followed steps 1-6 and are fully prepared, so just start.
8) Allow for slip-ups. Everyone will slip up at some point. Forgive yourself and move on.
9) Focus on the journey, not the
destination. If you are focused on how far
you have yet to go, then you will get discouraged; however, if you focus on the
small successes and the things you are learning and experiencing on the way to
your destination, then you are more likely to stay on track. Also, a New Year’s Resolution is not just for
New Year’s Day. If you have fallen off
the wagon, recommit. Try for 24-hours,
then 48-hours, then 72-hours, etc.
What happens if you find that
you still need help? Then perhaps it is
time to turn to a professional. Looking
to develop an effective workout routine or to get out of a workout rut? Hire a personal trainer. Looking to eat healthier or lose weight? Hire a nutrition expert. Looking to organize your finances or prepare
for retirement? Hire a financial
advisor. Looking to clear out
clutter? Hire a personal organizer. Spending a few sessions with an expert will
help you not only refine your goal, but will also ensure you follow through.
Good luck and congratulations on
your successes!
