New Years Resolution

Hi all,

I trust you all had a great Christmas and are getting ready for a wonderful New Year.

With the start of a new year many of us make resolutions. These are typically sweeping statements like; save more money, keep a better house, eat better, lose weight, etc... Our intentions are always good, we have great starts, but all too often we fall short of our goals.

Why is that?

First of all, resolution is a horrible name in my opinion. A resolution is the act of determining upon an action or course of action. To me what most people want is much bigger than a choice of or change in course of action. What we really want is a life change. We are not deciding to save more money for three weeks, clean our homes for a couple of days, or lose weight just to put it all back on. We want our lives to have a permanent change going forward.

Secondly, the common resolutions I just named are too general. What is more money? What is eating better? How much weight do I want to lose? We need to define our resolutions much more clearly than we typically do. It is ok to have the big picture of weight loss, but first we need to set a goal for both amount and time to get there. When doing so, be realistic. If a goal is too extreme it will be difficult to reach and therefore easy to give up. Also, and most importantly, make small, easily attainable goals along the way so you have little victories to celebrate and keep you motivated. If your overall goal is 20 lbs, have a goal of 1-2 lbs per week (this depends on body size, but the rule of thumb is 1% of your body weight).

Finally, we all too often go it alone. With no support group we make it much harder on ourselves to stay committed. Remember, we are attempting to make a permanent life change. This is not an easy task and we need all the help we can get. The first step is to tell someone what you are doing. This will make you accountable to someone other than yourself. It is all too easy to back off your new commitment if you are the only one who knows about it. Find a support group. Check the internet, your local library, or your Church. There are several people just like you out there looking for help and support. Once you have the support, do not be afraid to ask for help. I have found people love to help each other. You just have to be willing to ask. The amazing thing is, when you get help from someone you are helping them as well. Both parties find their commitment strengthened.

So, this New Year, make a decision to make a life change, make it specific and attainable, and tell someone. Let's make 2013 the best year of our lives.