New Years Resolutions

If you are like me the phrase “New Years Resolutions” conjures up not so positive thoughts and feelings. It sounds kind of old school particularly because most of us are always resolving to do more, do better or make change. How about you change the way you think about “New Years Resolutions”(NYR’s). Let’s think outside the box. What if this year your NYR’s were 1 or 2 things that you always seem to procrastinate on (out of fear) and they were structured in a way that made sense?

How do we get over the fear

One way is by doing it and seeing that generally our worst fears never come true (how many times have your worst fears ever come true?). Don’t focus on what everyone else is doing but focus on what you need to do. It’s also important to understand that you are in control and that by taking small steps toward a goal you start to build confidence, feel successful and motivated to reach your long term goal. A good way to keep yourself motivated and focused is through goal setting.

Benefits of setting goals

Goal setting clarifies expectations, relieves boredom, supports pride, satisfaction and self confidence. Step one: what is your current situation think. Step two: think about what you want to change. What do you want and how are you going to get there. Step three: how do you work towards getting there; what weekly, monthly, 6 months and 1 year goals do you need.

In setting goals there are some important things to remember

• If you are setting a goal that utilizes “time” use a range. I want to lose 10-20lbs.
• Goals aren’t static. Suppose you write a yearly goal that includes cutting your negative thoughts by 10% but you’ve done that by February. In March you probably want to be flexible and change that goal so you have something else to work toward like another 10%!
• Lastly do NOT punish yourself or feel bad for not following through on a goal because there is generally a reason you did not follow through. One way to assess what might have happened is to ask yourself the following questions. Was the goal specific enough? Was it measurable enough? Was it attainable? Was it realistic? Was it time based? If in all honesty you set up the goal for success then there might be other obstacles with that goal beyond the goal itself.
• Always try to remember how many goals and things you do accomplish in life. Goals are only a guideline and there is a lot to be learned from goals met or unmet.

New Years resolutions are designed for failure

People generally take everything they can think of that made them unhappy the previous year and resolute that all of those things are going to be different in the new year. You can however set yourself up for success!

Instead of having goals once a year try having goals year around. This way you feel like you are always working toward something and aren’t overwhelmed at the notion of big, huge goals once a year.

In setting those goals is great to have long term goals that might take you a year to reach but set short term, small, realistic goals throughout the year toward reaching your long term goals. As you reach your short term goals you build confidence and self esteem. This motivation will help you strive toward reaching your long term goal.

Remember it’s ok to have long term goals but have short term goals that help you get there. Don’t forget to make all your goals realistic and be flexible if you need to change them.

Free webinar on weight loss

If your new years resolution is to lose weight and get healthy get a jump start. I am offering a free webinar on weight loss on December 30th from Noon-1. You can sign up right here on my website from the home page. It’s called ‘Getting What you Want This Year!’

6-week emotional eating group

During the free webinar I will talk about my NEW and exciting 6 week tele-group on emotional eating.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Michelle

Photo credit: duien