The Art of the Resolution

Happy new year! Did you make a resolution this year? Was it something BIG? If so, good for you! Now let's set you up for success by making that big goal into something smaller.  That right,  take that big goal you are aiming for and chop it up into smaller goals and then smaller yet by implementing daily steps.

It is very easy to become frustrated by February if you aren't (for example) seeing the weight loss that you were hoping for or you haven't been perfect with fulfilling your obligations to yourself. So, let's start now by re-engineering your expectations.  Sit down with a note pad and pen.  Think about what is realistic for YOU.
 Let's continue with the fitness theme, since getting fit is a popular goal.  Did you intend to walk or run five miles each day only to find that it isn't happening? Figure out what is holding you back.  Is it time? Is your expectation too difficult for your skill level or conditioning right now? How much time can you guarantee yourself? 10-20 minutes five days per week? Maybe it's only two or three days that you can give yourself right now.  The point is to do what you are able to do right now.
  Let's say that you have settled on 20 minutes per day, two days per week.  Make an appointment with yourself for those two days.  Set that appointment on your smart phone, and give yourself a solid month.  Set another appointment at the end of that month, get out your notebook again and reevaluate how you have done.  If you did well, can you add more days and/or minutes to your commitment?

The important part is to not be overwhelmed. Here's another example: Instead of committing yourself to organizing your entire home, commit to 15 minutes per day (or whatever works).  Again, use your phone to set an appointment with yourself.  Before you know it everything will have been straightened and purged.

Perhaps you are wanting to eat healthier foods.  Instead of drastically changing the way you eat, maybe take away one item and introduce something new and healthy each week.

The possibilities are endless! Make a decision regarding what you want to accomplish, write it down, commit to it and use your phone or computer to help you keep your goal at the top of mind.

Are you holly jolly or are you a Scrooge? The holidays are around the corner how do you cope? Are you in the moment and enjoying the festivities or do you feel stressed out by it all?

Here are some helpful hints to keep it fun.  

1. Understand your budget and stick to it.  
2. Remember that the holidays are about family and being together.
3. Plan ahead.  Shop early (NOW) to avoid the crowds and get the items that you want.   
4. Don’t be afraid to say no.  Know your limits and don’t over extend yourself with your obligations or your finances.  
5. Get your Z’s - aim for at least seven hours per night.  Getting enough sleep will help you fight off stress, germs, and your’re less likely to fall off the rails with your nutrition.  
6. Plan ahead and keep your nutrition in line during the day before attending holiday parties in the evening.
7. Make your healthy meals and snacks in advance so it is easier to keep it healthy.
8. If there is a lot of junk in the break room at work, DON’T GO THERE.  Just stay out if you can.  If there is a party, bring a healthy treat to contribute.
9. If there is a lot of junk and you did not bring a healthy dish to share, hold a drink in one hand and your purse in the other.  You’ve got no free hands to get into the cookies.
10. Gum is tacky, but if you can refrain from chewing like a cow, go ahead and pop a piece.
11. Schedule workouts.  Exercise is the best antidepressant around
12. Give to others with your time or donations of money, food, gifts, blankets or coats.  Helping others who are less fortunate feels fantastic! 

Fa-la-la-la la, I got a bunch of my shopping done today and I “walked my talk”.