New Year's Resolutions Tips

New Years Resolutions already a distant memory? You are not alone - the majority of resolutions get ditched within the first week or two. Many of us feel as though we “should” set them – but unless we are committed to them - we won’t likely be successful. It is not too late to reinvigorate our resolutions and make a new commitment to ourselves.

Resolutions can be something as simple and straightforward as organizing our closets, or something ongoing – like vowing to spend less time on the computer, and more time with our kids. But the most common resolutions involve our health - with losing weight at the top of the list. Yet - although we set our resolutions with good intentions, we might not be setting ourselves up for success.

Here are some tips to help reinvigorate your New Year’s Resolutions and be successful:

1.Be specific. Saying “I am going to lose weight” is very broad. A more specific goal such as “to lose 6 pounds by Feb 15th” is a more measurable target. Instead of saying ‘eat more veggies’ –shoot for “eat 5 servings of fruit and veggies a day.” Making your goals measurable and specific is important – so you know exactly what you need to do to be successful. If you narrow down your goals – you will have a better target to hit.

2.Write it down. Writing down your goal makes it more “real.” Post it somewhere you can see it every day to remind you about your commitment. Maybe you can post several sticky notes around the house in places where you need the reminder (on the fridge, in the pantry, etc.). You can even come up with a cool slogan for your goal – my brother always called his “the Program of Excellence.” So when faced with temptations like ice cream parlours – you can tell yourself that ice cream is not part of the “Program of Excellence” – or whatever you decide to call it.

3.Connect to your “why.” Do you set up resolutions because you know you “should”? Or is this something that you really want to change? Figuring out what your motivation is to change is essential – or you won’t be emotionally connected to your resolution. Lets take losing weight for example. Do you want to fit into that special dress, or those jeans shoved in the corner of the closet? Do you want to just feel better and have more energy? Are you suffering some health problems such as back pain, diabetes or heart disease that would improve by losing weight? Decide why you want to make this change and really connect to the emotion behind it. Maybe you have an event coming up like a wedding or reunion that you want to look great for – visualize yourself there and how you want to look. If you figure out your motivation and write it down - then you will be more committed to why this change is important to you.

4.Get Support. Share your plan to a friend or family member that you know will be supportive. Maybe you can find a workout or walking buddy. You could enlist the help of a professional – a Nutritionist, trainer, or you might want to join a program that can help you educate yourself about what changes you need to make to be successful. If you don’t want to seek out a program or expert - maybe there is a good book that can help, or you could research online or in magazines to help keep your goal in your sight and help you to be more successful.

5.Set mini-goals. Even if we are specific about our goals - sometimes we can get discouraged if they seem to big. Setting smaller attainable goals can help us along the way to our overall goal – and also gives us opportunities to celebrate our successes. So if the goal is to lose 15 pounds by our reunion – set a goal of losing 3 pounds by Feb 1st. Just focus on that goal, and not the bigger one. If you reach that goal – celebrate your success and congratulate yourself. Breaking down your bigger goals into smaller ones helps you take baby steps. You could also do a daily goal – like I will eat 5 servings of fruit and vegetables today – and maybe that evening if you do – you could allow yourself a small 100 calorie splurge – like some dark chocolate - this will help you feel less deprived while you are working towards the goal.

And just remember - you are worth it! When we take care of ourselves and eat well and exercise – we feel better, have more energy, and our family and friends will take notice. Our efforts might encourage them to improve their health/life too. And for us parents - taking care of ourselves is a powerful message to communicate to our children – that our health is important and that we are worth it, and they are too!

All the best happiness and health in 2011!!

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