Tips on setting, keeping resolutions
The beginning of a new year is often a time when people evaluate their lives and decide to make changes to benefit their health, happiness and long-term goals. They commit to everything from losing weight to giving up cigarettes or sodas.
But sticking to those resolutions isn't as easy as making them in the first place.
Instead of setting their sights on sweeping changes, people are more prone to success when they set attainable goals they can build off.
Experts recommend starting small, because it takes time to develop unhealthy behaviors, and replacing those behaviors with healthier ones also takes time. Tips for success include:
Prioritizing goals and distinguishing between the ones that must be completed and the ones that a person wants to be completed.
“I recommend taking the time to write down what you want and why. Keep that list somewhere visible, read or look at it daily, and remember the reason you're taking this journey,” Dr. Brunilda Nazario, associate medical director at WebMD wrote in an article on the WebMD website. Make realistic resolutions. If exercising more frequently is the desired accomplishment, schedule two or three workouts a week instead of overdoing it. Build up to more over time. If the resolution is to eat healthier, replace something unhealthy with a healthier option that's enjoyable.
Talk about experiences with friends, family or at a support group. Support groups can be very helpful to people trying to make a significant change or reach specific goals, because sharing struggles and accomplishments makes the journey to a healthier lifestyle easier to achieve. Don't get caught in the trap of perfection. Minor missteps are normal and to be expected. Ups and downs are par for the course when it comes to making changes, so resolve to leave mistakes in the past and get back on track. People should ask themselves what worked, what didn't and what they could do differently to get a different outcome.
Don't be scared to ask for help and support from those people who are close to you. People who feel overwhelmed or unable to meet their goals by themselves may consider seeking professional help.
Schedule time to accomplish your goals on a calendar or daily planner, and also track progress.