So, it's the first of the year, and many people like to make resolutions, only to find that within a few weeks, they give up. They give up feeling worse then when they started. Another year, another failure. Whatever your resolution is, if it was easy, you would have conquered it a long time ago. The question isn't what will your New Year's Resolution be (if you make them then you have probably been thinking about it for awhile). The question is, how will this year be different than any other year? What are you going to do to ensure that you will succeed?
Many people want to quit smoking, lose weight, improve their marriage, and work hard to get that promotion at work. This isn't even ALMOST realistic! Now, I did lose 75 pounds and quit a 10 year smoking habit at the same time, but I don't recommend that. That has a very high failure rate. I believe you should pick ONE goal, and break that goal down into smaller, more obtainable goals.
Many people have weight loss goals, so I'll use that as an example. Let's say your goal is to lose 30 pounds and achieve a healthier lifestyle. Thirty pounds is a lot of weight, and that kind of weight is not going to fall off overnight. It may seem like a nearly impossible task, so break it down into smaller goals, and lifestyle changes. You don't want to wake up January 1st, giving up pop, only drinking water, working out for an hour, packing a healthy lunch, snacking on apples, going to bed earlier, waking up earlier, and having a healthy meal prepared by 6pm. All of that is overwhelming, and you would probably fail by midday. Instead, set small weekly goals that you can build on. Plus, focus on what you will be adding to your day, not what you will be losing. If week one, your goal is to drink 8 glasses of water a day, focus on ONLY that goal for the week. In order to get 8 glasses in a day, you will have to cut back on pop or sugary drinks. Week two, add 2 healthy snacks a day, while still drinking those 8 glasses. See where this is going? You just start building healthy habits on top of healthy habits. Now, I know you want to lose 30 pounds and you want to lose it as quickly as possible, but the success rate with doing that and not gaining the weight back is very slim. Most people starve themselves, while not making any healthy habit changes, and quickly find that they gained it all back and then some. Be patient. Anything worth having isn't easy. It will take time, dedication, and prioritizing your life. Be honest with yourself. Look at your daily habits and routine. Start with small, obtainable goals. Reaching those goals will give you the confidence you need to reach more goals. And with each goal, give yourself a reward (not food)! A day out with your best friend, date night, pedicure, or whatever you like. It doesn't have to be fancy. Sometimes a few hours alone to watch a movie, take a bath, and drink some hot tea is all I really want.
Set your weekly goal and weekly reward in advance. Love yourself enough to take care of yourself. Know this will be hard, but it will be worth it. You can do anything you want, if you want it bad enough. Be patient. The results will come.
Best Of Luck
-XOXO Monique
