It’s a brand new year, a bugle call to many for starting over or making some changes. If you are one of the 42% of Australians who make New Year’s resolutions each year, you are on the right track. You are galvanized right now for some change; but this time, let’s see how we can make those resolutions stick, shall we?
In order to do this, let us think of resolutions as lifestyle changes, instead of a short-term once-a-year project that usually peters out after a few months. Changing to good habits from bad is always a worthy goal, one that deserves to be a lifetime modification. In this case, take these steps when starting out on one of your resolutions:
Start Small
Losing weight, quitting smoking, starting an exercise program, and even spending more time with the family are resolutions that require discipline and time management. Moreover, these big goals require making significant lifestyle changes. For instance, losing weight, a resolution which tops the list of each New Year’s fervent promises, demands changes in one's eating, sleeping, and moving habits. For most people, these are radical changes that, lacking good planning and an iron will, are bound to be abandoned when the going gets even slightly tough.
The solution to achieving that coveted six-pack is to start small. Make a long-term plan. It may span the year or even beyond. Then write down specific goals. Break big ones into achievable monthly ones. Perhaps the first goal for the month may be to limit your sugar intake by ditching desserts and soda. By this small change alone, you could lose significant weight. When you’ve been rewarded by a dip in the scales, perhaps you could start taking brisk walks 20 minutes a day. The combination of limited sugar intake and increased movement should allow more weight reduction and improved energy levels. When you have got these habits down pat, try to aim for an early-to-bed-early-to-rise routine. All these changes should pave the way for setting up of more goals, achievements of which are simply layered on through time in order to arrive at the main goal--- a svelte, toned new you with a whole new set of healthy habits ingrained for life.
Limit Your To-Do’s
Don’t try to do too many goals at once. Changing habits for the better usually works when done incrementally; although, if you’re the type who needs a radical change to stop bad habits, then by all means take your big goal by the horns. Still, try to limit the number of goals. The best scenario is to concentrate on one goal or resolution because the most important thing here is not to make many promises but to achieve at least one good lifestyle change.
Be Realistic
Now this is a toughie. We want the whole pie but we often can only get a sliver. Making a New Year’s resolution to look and be as strong as Ronda Rousey by the end of the year is sure to get you to swear off resolutions forever. This kind of goal demands years of physical and mental training, dedication, and sacrifice, not something achievable in a year or on a mindset of simply wanting to lose weight and feel great.
Instead, be happy with a realistic sliver of a pie first and then work from there. If weight loss is your resolution, aim for a 30-pound-lighter-you who can run a 5k in decent time by the time December rolls in. Now this may be an achievable goal and one that will make a healthier, more self-assured version of you by year’s end. When the next year rolls by, perhaps you’ll be dipping your toes in triathlons, who knows? But first things first. Think about it.
Be Flexible
Nothing is perfect and so are situations in life. You are likely to fall off the good habit horse at one time or another. If you do, don’t beat yourself up about it or worse, quit while you are already gaining some ground. Just get back on the saddle, and try again. You may be set back from your goal but a little perseverance will get you right back on track. This is why you set your goals and plan your actions with some flexibility. Because life gets in the way...many times.
Ask for Support
If you need help, ask. This seems so logical; yet, many people find it difficult to admit that they need help. Sometimes the stress of trying to meet your goal may, at certain points, prove to be overwhelming. Professional help, group support, or even just a good listening ear can make all the difference.
For this new year, think of committing to a better lifestyle, not just a particular aim of say, losing 20 pounds. Instead, incorporate this specific goal of losing this much weight into a broader lifestyle resolution of living healthier for the new year. Ultimately, you will come to expand your lifestyle resolution into the coming years to see a much healthier, stronger, and better person in you.
