New Year, New Day, New Chance

Each New Year, many of us make resolutions.  We make a pledge to ourselves that we will reinvent or transform into a better, faster, stronger, less cursing, more praising, highly philanthropic, in-the-moment person.  While our intentions may be good, our goals are often too lofty and our willpower is too low.  It’s been said “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”, and without a good plan, determination, and support, many of us will fail or abandon our resolutions.  In fact, only about 50% of people keep their New Year’s resolutions for three months, and even less keep them for six months. 

I resolved to change my life and was able to
ring in a healthier New Year. Let 2014
be the new chance for you to get healthy!

Some of the top resolutions each year include losing weight, getting in shape, and eating healthier.  These are awesome long-term goals.  However, we must first make a plan and achieve short-term goals so that we can realize our long-term resolutions.  So many times we don’t stick to our resolutions, especially when it comes to weight loss or health because we put unrealistic limitations and expectations on ourselves.  Don’t resolve to go on a diet or try a fitness gimmick, resolve to change your life and be healthy.  Here are my tips to help you fulfill your resolution for 2014. 

Be Realistic: If you haven’t run father than across a parking lot this year, chances are you won’t be running a half-marathon this spring.  And if you haven’t been to a gym since…you’re not even sure when, chances are you aren’t going to become a gym rat anytime soon.  Make weekly goals that you can accomplish – take a 20-minute walk around the block after dinner, add one vegetable to each meal, go to bed 10 minutes earlier and get up 10 minutes earlier to do jumping jacks & pushups.  Once you’ve met that goal, set a new one for the next week. 

Make a schedule: We put meetings, practices, lunches, etc in our calendar.  Make yourself a priority and write (or type) your workouts, grocery trips, and food prep days into your calendar.  You wouldn’t cancel a meeting with your boss or miss your kid’s game, so don’t be a no-show to yourself!

Stay Positive: Chances are you will have a bad day and you will make a bad choice.  But, don’t let it get you down.  Remember your long-term goals and realize that one little hiccup does not mean you should throw in the towel.  Tomorrow (or the next meal) is a new chance to make a better decision.  No matter what, you can always get back on track.  Each new day is a new chance for a fresh start. 

Ask for Help: We are more likely to stick to our resolutions when we have a partner to hold us accountable.  So pick someone you trust and share you resolution, goals, and plan.  Be specific about what you need, and ask them to motivate you and help you stay on track.  Choose someone that will hold you responsible, but will not criticize or make you feel worse. 

Celebrate Your Success: When you’ve accomplished one of your short-term goals, it is important to reward yourself.  But be careful that the reward doesn’t undo what you’ve accomplished.  Rather than celebrating with food, do something that makes you feel good and boosts confidence.  Get a mani/pedi or massage, buy a new pair or running shoes or workout gear, take a new class, or get a new kitchen gadget (a new blender for smoothies or indoor grill pan for fish & veggies).

With these tips I know we will all be successful in 2014.  This can be your healthiest year yet.  And don’t think January 1st is the only day you can make a change.  Each new day is a new opportunity – a fresh start and chance to get healthy.  Make today the day you decide to live better, look better, and feel better.  If you’ve made a resolution but your willpower is low, I am here to provide motivation and support.  I promise to help you live better, look better, and feel better in 2014.   I will make sure you reach your goals all year long, and I guarantee a healthier you will be ringing in 2015!  Go to http://www.coachdconsulting.com  to see all the ways I can help you and those you love.  Obesity is 100% preventable and this is the New Year, new day, and new chance to make it happen!