New Year's Resolutions

Happy (almost) New Year!

It’s that time of year again.  Most of us are recovering from our holiday celebrations and now find that we are ready to set resolutions.  But how do we do this in a way such that we don’t dread the process?  This year I suggest a more positive approach to resolutions so that you look forward to achieving them.

Set aside one or two hours to set your resolutions.  Go to your favorite coffee shop or library, find a quiet space and get yourself a cup of tea.  Then choose some motivating tunes or calming music, open your laptop or notebook and start writing.

To start, do a review of your year, focusing on your achievements.  Did you start a new job, have a baby, move to a new house?   Perhaps you managed a stressful situation really well or you comforted a friend in time of need.  If you are reading this blog, then you have taken interest in your health and wellness which is an accomplishment!  Write all of this down and then congratulate yourself for your successes.  

Next, think about what you would like to achieve in 2011.  Perhaps you want to lose weight, eat better, run a 10K sleep well or just feel happier.  Write this down.

Now, phrase these goals in terms that are measurable, achievable and positive.  You don’t want to set goals that set yourself up for failure!  Instead of only focusing on a number of pounds, think about losing body fat or dropping a dress size.  Also, make sure that your goal is within a healthy range.

Then write down how you plan to achieve these goals.  This is the key to success!  To lose weight you will want to change your diet, increase your activity and mobilize your support networks.

And there’s one more step in the whole process.  It’s all in how your phrase things.  Keep your resolutions positive! Let me give you a simple example:

Resolution: I resolve to eat less chocolate:

Rephrase as: I resolve to choose snacks that are healthy and nourish my body.  

How I plan to accomplish this:

1. Buy healthy snacks to keep in the house.
2. Choose chocolate that is high quality and eat in small quantity
3. When the urge to eat chocolate occurs, ask myself if chocolate is what I really want - perhaps a moment of meditation or calling a good friend will be more nourishing.

Resolutions can be a great way to set in motion positive changes in your life.  Don’t feel burdened by them but rather excited by the possibility of enriching your life.  If you would like to discuss your resolutions and how to phrase them in a positive way, please feel free to contact me.

Be well.