Take steps to help resolutions become reality
According to the New York Times, the three most popular New Year's resolutions are quitting smoking, losing weight and spending more time with family.
No matter what your resolution this year, there are plenty of ways to help you stick with it. Remember, even though we'd like it to, change doesn't always happen overnight. Whether you want to find the inner strength to avoid sweets, or finally find the time to write that novel, your goal may be easier to reach than you think.
Having goals is an admirable thing — and what better time to set goals for ourselves than the beginning of a new year? However, for too many of us, the goal never becomes reality. To make sure your new year's resolution sticks, there are a series of simple steps to follow.
1. Clearly define your goal. Do you want to lose a few pounds? Narrow it down to an actual number, say, eight or 23. The more clearly our goal is defined, the easier it becomes to focus on achieving it.
2. Write it down. Whether you write your goal on a post-it note or in your regular journal, writing down your goal is an important step. It helps solidify your commitment and gives you a visual reference to remind yourself of your commitment when you start to slip.
3. Visualize yourself achieving your goal. Want to quit smoking? Visualize your lungs and heart getting healthier with each breath of clean air you take. Though you might be tempted to skip this step, it's very important in helping with the realization that your goal is truly possible.
4. stablish a plan for achieving your goal. Want to start a fitness regimen? Start with mini-goals like going for a half-hour walk three times a week. Then increase the quantity and duration until you're well on the path to physical fitness. By establishing a plan, you are acknowledging that you will have to work toward achieving your goal.
5. Follow through with your plan. You may have to tweak it occasionally, or change your plan altogether to make sure it works for you, but don't disregard it. Achieving your goal is going to take some hard work on your part. Once you begin to see results, sticking with your plan should become easier.
6. Finally, realize that you may have some set backs in achieving your goal. Setbacks are normal and to be expected. Don't take it as a sign of failure and give up, but instead use it as an opportunity to remember why achieving this goal was important to you in the first place.
Yes, having goals is an admirable thing, but achieving them is really something to be proud of. Good luck and happy New Year!
? Nikki Luttmann is a community development specialist at Bonner General Hospital.