Happy New Year! Tis the season for making resolutions. Setting a New Years Resolution is typically the easy part, sticking to it is where things get challenging. Here are 6 easy steps that can assure you fulfill that new year commitment …..Beyond January 2 😉
- Set Realistic Resolutions: Lets be real, we all want to lose 50lbs, or set aside that healthy savings account or get that dream job. Although these are good intentions, such broad goals can be overwhelming. Start small and simple. Set attainable short term goals that will help you achieve the long term vision for your life.
- Plan Ahead: Planning and preparation are keys to success. Schedule your workouts for the week, or grocery shop and food prep for a few days at a time, set aside a specific amount in your savings account each week. When you have a plan and eliminate the guess work, you are much less likely to be tempted with poor choices. What is scheduled gets done. Always plan ahead.
- Be Held Accountable: Studies show that people are more likely to follow through on their commitments when someone else is expecting them to do so. Tell someone your resolution plans, get a gym partner or health coach to hold you accountable and motivate you to stick with it. A health coach is a trained professional that will guide you through this process. The likelihood of following through on your commitments and achieving your goals is much greater with the support of a qualified health coach.
- Expect Obstacles: We all have good intentions and a clear vision for the year ahead in January. But when life gets in the way and unanticipated situations arise, that clear vision of a new you gets cloudy. Expect that there will be obstacles that steer you off track. When you are prepared for these deviations, it is much easier to reset your path and get back on track. There will be tough days, but when they arise, stay positive. If common challenges continue to reoccur, reevaluate your goals and set a new plan that is more manageable.
- Acknowledge Your Success: Sticking to resolutions is challenging. These are typically goals and aspirations that we hope to achieve, but if they were easy to attain, we would do them all year long. Be proud of yourself! Tell about your accomplishments and reward yourself – in a positive way – for your achievements. Every step in the right direction is a good one, be mindful of this and give yourself the praise you deserve.
- NO EXCUSES: This is probably the most important tip to following through on your New Years Resolution. When times get tough. Excuses come easy. Make a decision and a solid commitment to yourself that you will dig deep and find the discipline and self control it takes to hold up your end of the bargain. There is a major difference between a set back and an excuse. When set backs arise, clear your mind and get right back on track. Remind yourself of your goals and your commitment to yourself.
While this all seems simple spelled out in black and white, the reality is achieving goals and fulfilling commitments is challenging, especially to ourselves. Finding the time to dedicate to our own self improvement is typically at the bottom of the to do list. In actuality, when we set aside the time to improve our self worth, it allows us to become better spouses, parents, teachers and individuals.
New Years resolutions are often looked at as a cliche, and almost expected to be disregarded. But the honest truth is, they are usually the area that has been on our mind, that we would like to improve upon, and have just not had the time or self discipline to do what it takes. Often times it is not easy to go at it alone. Seek the support of a friend, mentor or professional health coach to join you on your journey. Short term guidance and support can provide the tools to create new, positive, healthy life long habits.
Happy 2017!
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