New Year Resolutions

Happy New Year to everyone. With all the festivities over, the gifts given and received, family and friends visited, parties attended, it is time to get back to our normal routine. Or is it? So many people make a lengthy list of New Year’s resolutions and others, so discouraged from past resolutions that never went anywhere, have given up on making new resolutions. The end of the year is a good time to look back and see what your year has been about. How did you cope with whatever was not in your control? What was under your control that you actually changed or decided to keep in your life? Let’s start with the resolution list. If it is not a realistic list, you will be setting yourself up for failure. For example, if you state that you will never eat another carb, how likely is that really? If you want to change your life style, make small incremental goals that are more likely to lead to success. Many of us have either known someone or have ourselves purchased a gym membership with good intent. After a week of frenzied exercising, we are so sore that we are turned off and never go back, stating we don’t like it or we don’t have time. However, if you want to exercise more, maybe go for a 20 minute walk two to three times a week and gradually increase your speed and distance. As this gets easier, maybe increase your time or the number of times you walk. If you really want to join a gym, go slow. Have a trainer set up a program for you, possibly starting only 30 minutes twice a week and working your way up to a 60-minute session. If you do not like to exercise by yourself, check out a class. If you are self-conscious, go with someone and/or line up in the back so you don’t feel so exposed. Remember, the key is to set yourself up for success. If changing your eating is your goal, maybe consult with a nutritionist and learn how to eat healthy, allowing yourself to eat healthy carbs with some treats thrown in. If you feel deprived, your likelihood of success will go down. Maybe you want to read more. Again, telling yourself that you will read an hour a day may be very unrealistic. Look at your schedule and life style and set aside some time two to three days a week where you have some quiet time to read. Whatever the content of your desired change, take small, doable steps that you can gradually increase and set yourself up for success. Remember, success builds on success.

We hope you enjoyed reading our blog.  Please like us on Facebook and share our blog with others.  We also would appreciate your comments and we are happy to consider your ideas for topics we can address in our blog.