Well this is it... the week where millions of Americans stand up and announce that they will make a change, reach a goal, achieve a lifelong dream, or all of the above. 
I am referring, of course, to the old faithful ritual of making New Year's resolutions.
Whether you intend to exercise more, lose weight, stop smoking, cut down on alcohol or eat a healthier diet, experts agree that one of the keys to making a successful resolution lies in one's own confidence that he or she can make the behavior change and the commitment to making that change!
Here are my top 5 tips to keeping you on your path to a better you.
1. Think about what you would most like to do or change and stick with one resolution for now.
Trust me on this one! I have been told by past clients that they were going to lose weight, stop smoking, begin an exercise program (after 25 years of sitting on the couch)... and to do all of this while they are going back to school for a second career!
Urgh! Talk about setting yourself up for failure. It is far better to add another resolution -- even if you add it in May -- after you master the first than trying to accomplish three major changes all at once.
2. Once you pick what's most important be clear as to why you want this.
It is definitely all about commitment. For example, do you really want to lose weight or are you doing it because someone else wants you to?
3.Have an emergency plan ready.
Know what you will do in case that stressful event comes up which has triggered you to eat everything in the refrigerator, pantry and local convenience store! Have coping strategies and alternatives to eating in order to deal with problems that will come up.
4. Break down a huge resolution into smaller goals.
You are more likely to achieve your goal by focusing on 5 pound increments rather than the 50 pounds. Set weekly and monthly goals and focus only on those. Once achieved, reward yourself. Treat yourself to a spa day, a pedicure, a favorite perfume you've been meaning to buy or even a new hairstyle!
5. No matter what, always love and accept yourself.
You are NOT that 50 pounds you need to lose. You are a great and beautiful person who just happens to want to lose 50 pounds. Remember, You are the same person with or without the 50 pounds. So be you! Don't wait to be happy until you lose that 50, be happy now!
Kayz,
ReplyDeleteI love your #5, about always accepting and loving yourself. I am a licensed mental health counselor, and have had the honor of helping many women and men work through body image/food issues. Research shows that diets don't work in the long-run because dieters almost always gain back every pound, plus more.
Food and weight issues are much more about our hearts and our stories than they are about calories and fat grams. I am writing a book and blog about these heart issues, and would love to get your feedback. Until we address these underlying roots of the food and body image problem, we will not have long-term success. My last posting is called, "Real Reasons for Food Addiction" and discusses causes and how to appraoch the matters of the heart which drive people to food for self-medication.
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks, Cherrie www.cherriemac.wordpress.com
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