"New Year's resolutions" is almost identical to "better health." Whether it's to lose weight, stop smoking, drink less, or eat healthier, many of changes people desire to make are in reference to living a healthier life. If you want to stick to your resolutions, there are a few key things you may want to do approximately two weeks before you are set to start.
Know your goals: Of course, your long-term or final goals are important? What are your short-term goals? Many people forget about short-term goals, which are essential to accomplishing your long-term goal. Losing 20 pounds in four months is a great long-term goal, but it can be daunting day after day.
Short-term goals for losing 20 pounds in four months can include eating 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of veggies a day for the first three weeks. After those three weeks, another short-term goal could be to increase cardio time by 6 minutes each session for the next four weeks. Having those shorter goals to look forward to will shorten the overall time frame of the long-term goal, hence increasing your chances of achieving it.
Know your weaknesses: If there is anything that is going to keep you from reaching your long-term goals, get rid of it. If it is something that needs to be removed from your house, ask someone else to keep it. If it is a store or restaurant, avoid it all cost; even if it means you have take a different route to do so. And forget about trying to be strong and tempting yourself. Instead admit your weakness and just stay away from the temptation.
Substitute your weakness with something that will make you stronger (For example, instead of buying treats at the store, buy flowers and display them around your house to remind you how well you're doing!).
Get a support system: A support system is a good way to stay motivated because you will not want to let the people down who are holding you accountable. Enlist family members, friends, or even an internet health site as a part of your support system.
Keep a journal: Use a journal to write down what you have done as you accomplish the goals. What were your feels as you accomplished your daily tasks? Did you encounter any pitfalls and how can you keep them from happening again? Write what you think about your goals or life in general, being as positive as you can when describing your experiences. At the end of each week, read what you wrote from the first page to the present date to help you start the coming week motivated and ready to go.
To remind yourself of your goals, get a calendar for the New Year, two index cards, a marker, and a pencil. The first thing you need to do is write down your long-term goal on the index cards with the marker. Pin or tape one card next to the calendar on the wall and the other card on mirror in your bathroom.
On your calendar, write down the date that you want to accomplish the goal by and circle that date with a marker. Next take the pencil and jot the short-term goals on the calendar and circle those dates as well. You also want to write down all the basic daily things you will do (details of workout session, meal plans, water amounts, etc.), to reach your long-term goal in whatever organizer, notebook, etc., you use to write down important dates.
Consistently using these tips will help you reach that goal and live a healthier life! Remember to celebrate all your successes, big or small, and if you veer off course, it's never too late to get back on again. - 16004
Know your goals: Of course, your long-term or final goals are important? What are your short-term goals? Many people forget about short-term goals, which are essential to accomplishing your long-term goal. Losing 20 pounds in four months is a great long-term goal, but it can be daunting day after day.
Short-term goals for losing 20 pounds in four months can include eating 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of veggies a day for the first three weeks. After those three weeks, another short-term goal could be to increase cardio time by 6 minutes each session for the next four weeks. Having those shorter goals to look forward to will shorten the overall time frame of the long-term goal, hence increasing your chances of achieving it.
Know your weaknesses: If there is anything that is going to keep you from reaching your long-term goals, get rid of it. If it is something that needs to be removed from your house, ask someone else to keep it. If it is a store or restaurant, avoid it all cost; even if it means you have take a different route to do so. And forget about trying to be strong and tempting yourself. Instead admit your weakness and just stay away from the temptation.
Substitute your weakness with something that will make you stronger (For example, instead of buying treats at the store, buy flowers and display them around your house to remind you how well you're doing!).
Get a support system: A support system is a good way to stay motivated because you will not want to let the people down who are holding you accountable. Enlist family members, friends, or even an internet health site as a part of your support system.
Keep a journal: Use a journal to write down what you have done as you accomplish the goals. What were your feels as you accomplished your daily tasks? Did you encounter any pitfalls and how can you keep them from happening again? Write what you think about your goals or life in general, being as positive as you can when describing your experiences. At the end of each week, read what you wrote from the first page to the present date to help you start the coming week motivated and ready to go.
To remind yourself of your goals, get a calendar for the New Year, two index cards, a marker, and a pencil. The first thing you need to do is write down your long-term goal on the index cards with the marker. Pin or tape one card next to the calendar on the wall and the other card on mirror in your bathroom.
On your calendar, write down the date that you want to accomplish the goal by and circle that date with a marker. Next take the pencil and jot the short-term goals on the calendar and circle those dates as well. You also want to write down all the basic daily things you will do (details of workout session, meal plans, water amounts, etc.), to reach your long-term goal in whatever organizer, notebook, etc., you use to write down important dates.
Consistently using these tips will help you reach that goal and live a healthier life! Remember to celebrate all your successes, big or small, and if you veer off course, it's never too late to get back on again. - 16004
About the Author:
Anne Maxwell a.k.a. "Schmoozi-Q" is the resident editor of Health Information at http://www.Schmoozins.com - an online magazine for women that gives all women a voice. Join us as a contributor, schmoozer or just hang out a while.
