Realistic Resolutions
Have you ever set a new year’s resolution only to give up on it a month or a week later?
Yeah me too, many times!
So I sat and thought about why that is and I’ve come up with some fixes that I want to try for this year.
Be Specific
The first thing I do wrong I think, is to not be specific.
So instead of saying “I want to lose weight.” I should say, “I want to lose 5 lbs by May.” To make my weight related goals attainable. It just makes it seem more doable somehow.
Be Realistic
Along the weight and healthy living example, if you have never exercised a day in your life, you are just setting yourself up to fail, if you decide Jan 1st to exercise for an hour a day seven days a week.
So you have to be honest with yourself. Both you and I know that isn’t likely to happen.
Make a Plan
I love the line, a goal without a plan is just a wish. (I think I need to put that one in my Quote Keeper Journal)
Sit yourself down and write out a manageable plan to reach your goal. For my healthy living plan, I can write out meal ideas and snack ideas for when my willpower weakens, (and it will).
I will schedule walk times to balance out my computer time too.
Having a plan helps the goals feel more attainable and less overwhelming.
Track Your Progress
When you keep tabs on yourself you keep yourself accountable. Set some time aside every week, or month, whatever works for you to review how you are doing and make changes or adapt what you are doing to be able to move ahead.
One year I gave myself a gold star on a calendar for every walk I did! Lol Sounds silly, but I do love anything shiny, and it worked. Find something that works for you. Nothing is silly if you achieve the outcome you want.
Stay Flexible
We all know that life is unpredictable. If Bestie J says, “Let’s do dinner out” of course I’m going to go and eat what I like without worrying about the calorie count. I won’t beat myself up for going off my plan.
I know I will go back to the plan the next day and carry on. I may do some extra walking time to make myself feel better about it, or I may not!
And always remember to celebrate the wins however small!
Life Experience Wisdom
* Realistic goals are all about balance and being flexible.
* Progress isn’t about perfection, perfection is a myth.
* Stay adaptable and you can reach your goals and make the new year one of growth and success.
That’s it for this week, I think I’ll head to the dollar store to buy some shiny gold stars!
(I may have mentioned the star thing before, but it worked for me, so I’ll try it again)
Cheers til next week,
Grace
My Motto
When life throws baseball size lemons at you, that smack you upside the head, stomp on those damn things and make yourself a cocktail!