7 Keys to Achieving Resolutions
It’s that time of year again. The time when we turn our attention to the coming year, make resolutions, and ponder all we hope to accomplish in it. Goal setting is healthy, even necessary. As Benjamin Franklin said, “He who aims at nothing is bound to hit it.” This is surely true. Waking each morning with a goal or two in mind gives us a sense of purpose, and accomplishing a goal drives us to pursue another.
While knowing that goal setting is healthy, necessary, and gives us a sense of purpose, attaining those goals is another story altogether. For me, making New Year’s resolutions is incredibly easy; following through, not so much.
Over the years, though, I’ve realized that the key to achieving resolutions lies in these seven principles:
1. Set reasonable, attainable goals.
Several years ago, I was obese and miserable. My back hurt all the time, and I had no energy to keep up with two very active toddlers. On top of that, I had recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. A trifecta my doctor said would kill me before my kids were grown if I didn’t make some changes. However, while I knew I desperately needed to lose weight, I also know I had spent a lifetime on diet programs that worked for a short time before I fell off the wagon.
So, instead of overwhelming myself by resoling to lose 70 pounds, I determined that what I wanted—and needed—most was to feel better and have more energy. That was my goal. If weight loss followed, great, but my focus wasn’t on weight but on my overall physical health and stamina. In doing this, I set a goal I felt I could reach, yet still required action and dedication on my part.
2. Make change on step at a time.
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. I knew from experience that I wouldn’t be successful by suddenly going on a 1,200 calorie-a-day diet plan and exercising in a gym for an hour a day. My first step to reaching my goal of better overall heath probably seems small, yet in the end, it made a difference in my life, one that I’m benefitting from nearly eight years later! I began by resolving to exercise, even if only for five minutes every day. I figured, “Hey, what’s five minutes, right? I can do this.” Five minutes turned into 10, and now, I typically exercise for 30-45 minutes five days a week. It all began with baby steps.
3. Periodically re-evaluate progress.
Now, admittedly, I’m not good with setting definite times to check how I’m coming along; however, I do re-evaluate frequently, every two or three months. Once I began exercising regularly, I then began adding more time to my routine as I built up my endurance. I also began cutting unhealthy habits in other areas, one at a time.
Confession: I have an insatiable sweet tooth! Seriously, it’s shameful. But, I knew I needed to cut down on my sugar intake. Once again, I did this in baby steps. Cutting a snack out here, adding in vegetables, and cutting out carbs there. Bits at a time that began to change my entire outlook and lifestyle of bad, unhealthy habits. Another confession: I still let myself have a treat every now and then, guilt-free.
4. Set yourself up for success.
Remove temptations, and don’t place yourself in situations that may set you up for failure. The same is true for the people you surround yourself with. Choose positive, upbeat friends to be around that will support you in the pursuit of your goals.
5. Be positive.
6. Reward yourself for small successes along the way.
7. Never give up.
