How many of you out there made lofty New Year's resolutions that have already fallen by the wayside? Did you set a goal to go to the gym 4 times per week, but only made it once or twice this month? Did you pledge to eat healthfully, but were back to your old ways by January 3rd? Or, maybe you committed to giving up a vice like smoking, alcohol, coffee, etc. and are still smoking, drinking, you name it. Does any of this sound familiar to you? If so, then read on...
I firmly believe in resolutions at the beginning of each new year. Traditionally it is a time for reflection and hope for what's possible in the new year. Making commitments to oneself is an empowering and healthy act. However, most of us give up on our resolutions before we've even made it out of January and then feel guilty or inadequate. So, what happens to all of the hope and determination we had on January 1st? I believe 3 things get in the way of keeping our commitments to ourselves.
First, we don't have a sustaining vision of what life will be like if we keep our resolutions. To stay fully committed to a lifestyle change we have to be invested in the goal. We have to be able to easily visualize how great our life will be once we've succeeded. For example, if your goal is to lose 20 lbs, then try to really imagine what life will be like when you're 20 lbs lighter. Where will you wear all those great clothes that have been hanging in your closet? What will you do? Who will you be? Revisit your personal vision every time you feel yourself slipping away from keeping your commitments to yourself. Check out "No More Diets" for more information on creating your personal vision!
Second, we fail to plan. If your resolution is going to the gym 4 times per week then plan for it! Put it on your calendar. Tell people in your support system and have them send you notes of encouragement. Put a reminder on your phone. Have a backup plan if you do miss a workout. And, always know it is OK to readjust your plan if needed. If you discover that morning workouts just aren't your thing, then switch to evenings. Just don't quit planning for your success!
Third, we tend to think really big when we make resolutions. After all resolutions are about changing our lives and why not go big! So, yes, have a lofty, life changing goal, but also have some manageable sub steps to get you there. For example, if your commitment is to eat healthfully, then don't immediately go from being a butter loving, sugar inhaling, carnivore to a strict follower of the raw foods diet. Instead, come up with 12 manageable dietary changes and implement a new one each month. For example, in month 1 you might decide to stop devouring the bread basket when you go out for dinner. In month 2 you might add 3 extra servings of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. You get the idea. Making small changes that count and giving them time to become habits will go a long way towards keeping your resolutions this year!
Email me at knewkirk@coaching-consulting.biz for a list of my personal resolutions and how I plan to get there!
Today's Tip: Revisit a childhood favorite - - Peanut Butter Sandwiches. I make my PB sandwiches using Trader Joe's Low Calorie Light Wheat Bread which has just 40 calories per slice along with a whopping 5 grams of fiber and 1 tablespoon of low sugar peanut butter. Each sandwich has about 170 calories, 10 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein and 7 grams of fat most of which is unsaturated. I make several of these at one time and throw one in my purse if I'm going to be on the road for awhile. They keep for days, taste great, are super cheap to make and easy to prepare!
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