There is no better time than the start of a new year to make resolutions to reset any unhealthy habits or meet health goals. While your resolution shouldn’t be easy, tackling too much can make it difficult to follow through. Set yourself up for a healthy year by choosing a resolution wisely and creating a plan of action to set yourself up for success. These tips can help!
Choose something that really interests you. Avoid choosing cliché New Year’s goals. Think long and hard about what you would like to accomplish.
Compare your previous years’ resolutions. Use resolutions you set in the past as opportunities to learn from your successes or work through your shortcomings. Consider what you did well, what you could do better, and what you’d like to change moving forward.
Make a resolution that you’ll enjoy. We can all benefit from making our lives happier. For example, resolve to carve out more time to read, go to the movies or spend more time with your family and friends. This can increase your happiness and well-being.
Do what you think is right for you. Your resolutions should revolve around what you value, not what someone else thinks you should do. Make your goals for you—not for someone else. Don’t say, “My wife thinks I’m lazy and I should exercise more.” Take a positive outlook and say, “I will run the treadmill 30 minutes each day because it makes me feel more energized.”
Think S.M.A.R.T! Breaking down your goals into smaller SMART goals can be the difference between aspirations and realizations. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Adopting behaviors in this manner helps to create lasting lifestyle changes!
Be clear about your resolution. If you’re looking to shed pounds, don’t say, “I will work out more.” A better resolution might be, “I will lift weights twice a week and walk 30 minutes during my lunch break.” If you have a specific goal in mind and can quantify it, you are more likely to follow it.
Think of your resolution as an accomplishment, not a detriment. Have a positive mindset and frame your goals in a positive light. For example, don’t say, “I will stop drinking caffeine, including coffee and colas.” This can make you feel like you’re depriving yourself of something you enjoy. A more positive attitude about your goal would be to say, “If I need a pick-me-up during the day, I will drink a cup of tea instead of grabbing a Coke or cup of coffee.”
Consider your resolution as a long-term goal. Trying to achieve your resolution in a short amount of time can make it difficult to maintain when you reach it. Understand that it is going to take time to succeed in your resolution.
It’s resolution time! Be committed to the resolutions you choose. Good luck!
