Making it a Year of Achievable Goals
With the onset of a new year, we all frantically try and set resolutions, which we never keep [I speak for myself of course - good for you if you manage to keep yours!] Inevitably we make it to gym during the first week or two, and then the thought of sunset cocktails becomes more alluring, and the fitness ideas fade.
Rather than set yourself one major resolution, that you know in the back of your mind you won't be keeping for longer than a couple of weeks, make a couple of smaller, more easily attainable resolutions. In this way you're setting short-term goals, which you're sure to achieve, in turn making you feel good about yourself.
Use these ideas below to start you off ...
I'll eat 5 fruits/veggies a day:
Not only is this essential for your digestive system in terms of fibre, but you'll be amazed at how much healthier you'll feel - the temptation to indulge in those less-healthy alternatives will definitely be less appealing.
I'll drink 8 glasses of water a day:
Now I know this is a difficult one, but if you really don't like the taste of water then add a few drops of lemon juice to make it taste better. Water is a great way to clear your system, boost your energy levels, and give your cheeks a healthy glow.
I'll walk/take the stairs wherever I can:
We can all do this, whether its taking the stairs at the office or parking a little further from the entrance to the shopping centre. You should soon see that you're no longer out of breath by the time you get to the third flight of stairs!
Tips for Making Resolutions
Slow down:
For some unknown reason we become really enthusiastic when setting our resolutions, and
tend to make a comprehensive list of everything we've ever wanted to change - don't do it!
The idea is to start slowly - set realistic, achievable goals (one or two goals you can achieve is
definitely worth a lot more than a list so long you don't even want to look at it!)
Watch how you word your resolutions:
- How you word your resolutions has a lot to do with how it will make you feel when reading it.
- Ensure that you're not forcing yourself into doing something you don't want to do - rather make it sound like something fun. Something you'd be willing to do. e.g. 'I must lose weight' vs 'I will investigate ways to create a healthier lifestyle'
Make an action plan:
- Break your resolution down into smaller sections - you can't possibly achieve you entire resolution in one sitting. e.g. 'Do some research into lifestyle-related issues by surfing the net, visiting the library or chatting to a dietician';
- 'Make a list of all the possible changes you could adopt'
- 'Pick one idea, and then try it out for a month'
- 'Keep researching further possibilities'
Write down your resolutions & action plan:
- The only way to ensure you'll keep to your plan is to ensure your goals are somewhere visible so that you'll be reminded of them daily.
Goals: Putting the Plan in Place
