By Heidi Toy
A new year brings new possibilities, new choices, and new hope for the future. Here are some tips to help you actually keep the resolution you make this year.
1. KISS Method. It is something that we’ve heard before, but it really works—keep it simple, sweetie. By using this method you ensure that you won’t get carried away by setting up resolutions that you have no hope of fulfilling. Simplify your resolutions to ensure you can achieve them.
2. Be choosy. Agreeing to a New Year’s resolution just because you feel you should is setting yourself up for failure. Instead, choose to change something you really desire to change, and your chances for success will be much greater
3. Be realistic. You may want to lose twenty-five pounds in a week, but besides being unhealthy, it’s utterly unrealistic. Instead, set realistic expectations for what you can accomplish within the time frame.
4. Broadcast your plans. Tell friends and family about your New Year’s resolution; don’t try to keep it to yourself. Letting others know your plans firms up your decision inyour own mind and helps you stay accountable.
5. Educate yourself. Learn how others have successfully made the change you desire. Doing so will help you avoid pitfalls and build realistic expectations. If you are not sure how to do something, hire an expert to help you.
6. Avoid the same old resolutions. If you’ve resolved to lose ten pounds year after year, it may be time to set a different resolution. Instead, resolve to eat healthier and add some exercise. This will accomplish the same results, but it frames your lifestyle change in a different light.
7. Break your resolution into achievable tasks. Rather than focusing on one huge life-altering change, opt for smaller, more manageable changes that you can track and accomplish more easily.
8. Create a plan of action. Once you know the steps you need to take to fulfill your resolution, decide what you’ll do first, then do it! Plan each step in advance so that you’llknow how to proceed as you reach each small goal.
9. Don’t expect overnight results. It takes time to develop habits and behaviors, and it can take even longer to change them. Be patient with yourself and expect gradual, rather than immediate, results.
10. Don’t stress yourself out! Change, even good change, can be stressful. We’re creatures of comfort, and stepping out of our comfort zones can create stress and anxiety. Strive to disallow stress from getting the best of you.
11. Garner support from others.
12. Let your enthusiasm show! Look at the changes you’re making as an adventure, rather than drudgery. Get excited about how you’ll feel when you’ve reached your goal. The journey can be as much fun as the destination!
13. Look at both the pros and cons of your decision. Be prepared for both the positive and negative outcomes of your decision so that there are no surprises.
14. Be prepared for setbacks. There will be days when your good intentions fly out the window and you return toold habits. All is not lost! It’s just like riding a horse: when you fall off, get back up and trudge on.
15. Prepare in advance. Give your subconscious time to adjust to the change so that it doesn’t come as such a shock to your system. You’re more likely to succeed when you prepare in advance. 16. Reward yourself! Look for ways to reward yourself after every step is reached. It’ll build momentum because you’ll be looking forward to the next reward. I must add here, however, that food is not a reward.
17. Set a deadline. As with any goal, it’s important to have a time frame in mind. Give yourself plenty of time to realistically reach your goal, but plan for a specific end dateto work toward.
18. Set a limit. It’s best to work on just one or two resolutions at a time. You’ll be able to focus your efforts without feeling overwhelmed with too much to do. This is especially important with business goals, since distraction equals lost income.
19. Track your progress. This works especially well when you split your resolution into small, manageable tasks.
20. Write out your resolutions. Writing your goals and desires on paper has a strong effect on your psyche. It firmsup your intentions and helps you focus more clearly. Take the time to write down your goals, step by step, to best achieve your resolutions.21. Visualize the results. Imagine yourself after you’ve achieve your goal. What do you look like? How do you feel? Spend a few minutes every day visualizing your success and you’ll be amazed at how much quicker and easier your goals will be to accomplish.
22. Make the choice. You’ve talked about the change. You’ve made the resolution. Now firmly decide that will youstick with it—even when it’s not comfortable or convenient. You can do it if you choose to.
23. Hang in there. Never give up! The going may, indeed, get tough. You may have discouraging days. You may feel like quitting. But if you’ve made the conscious decision to change, keep plugging away.
24. By putting these strategies into practice, your resolutions will transform into realistic, reachable goals. May your New Year be filled with happiness, and thechanges you desire to grow and live the life of your dreams!
Heidi Toy, NTP is a functional medicine nutritionist who specializes in helping people who are fatigued, depressed, gaining weight, experiencing heartburn and other digestive problems, and battling with female hormone issues collectively, what she calls the “Big Five.”
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