The start of the New Year nudges many of us into reflecting on the past year and committing to our goals, and ourselves, for the year to come.
Some of us are very diligent and some only end up with good intentions. Either way my hope is that you can make substantial change in your life in meaningful ways.
For me…I’m feeling 10 pounds would be meaningful! I’ve told Angela and the kids, and now I’m sharing it with all of you too. Somewhere over the summer and fall I’ve found a few pounds have stuck around. How could that happen!
Here are some tips that may help with any resolutions you decide to make.
- Be realistic. Only one American is going to become President in the next election.
- Set long-range, intermediate, and short-term goals. And see tip #1.
- Write your goals down. Otherwise it’s just a dream.
- Put your goals where you’ll see them regularly until they’re achieved. Taped to the computer monitor, magneted onto the fridge, beside a mirror, reminder in your phone…
- If your goal requires changing your lifestyle, admit it. If you shoot for temporary change, that’s all you’re likely to achieve. Nobody has ever permanently lost weight just by starving for a week or a month.
- Establish a support system of family and friends. If doing it on your own looks overwhelming—as getting out of debt or quitting smoking may! —consider getting help from one or more professionals, family members, friends, or formal support groups.
- Stay flexible. If one method doesn’t work after an honest attempt, try a different way. If your short-term goals turn out medium-term, accept the fact and keep working on them.
- When you achieve your resolution, give yourself a reward. Your choice!
May you and your family enjoy great blessing throughout 2019.
