New Year's goals that last

It's almost 2017! This year has flown by for me, as I'm sure it feels that way for many of you. As I reflect on the year 2016, I think about the resolutions I made that never happened. I simply could not keep up with all the laundry, so that one is back on the list for this coming year. I lost my patience with my kids and was a "mean mommy" on too many occasions, so that one is also back on the list. What IS    the secret to making those new year's resolutions actually stick? I have three suggestions that can help.

First, set realistic goals. You will never stick with your resolution if it is not do-able. For example, if you never workout, you can not expect yourself to workout out for 2 hours a day, 7 days a week. A more realistic goal might be to exercise for 20 minutes, 3 days a week. Once that goal is accomplished, you can set another goal. Make your goals attainable.

Second,   be specific. When you set vague goals,  the action plan to achieve your goal is unclear. For example, instead of setting a goal to lose weight, explain the actions you will take in order to lose weight. Such as, "I will perform 4 cardio sessions per week. I will drink 8 glasses of water every day. I will not eat processed food." Be specific and be clear about the goals you set.

Third, write your goals down and put them somewhere where you can see them.  We often have a goal in our head, but if we really want to accomplish that goal, we should not only write it down, but keep a journal about how we are doing. If I want to spend less money, I should write out a budget and then keep a log of what I spend. There are hundreds of apps that can help you keep track of your health and nutrition goals, weight loss goals or money spending goals.  We stick with our goals much longer when we keep track. That is how fitness trackers became so popular; it was a way people could actually keep track and log their activity, nutrition, even sleep. And guess what? Thousands of people can testify that it helped them accomplish their goals. 

As you think of your goals and what you would like to accomplish in the new year, remember to be realistic, be specific, and write your goals down.  

May you have health, happiness and wellness in this upcoming year! 

BHW