Linda Hawkins asked: Yes it is a new year and many of us have a list of resolutions, with losing weight being one of the top 10 items on the list, in many cases it is number one on the list. The challenge is keeping those resolutions throughout the entire year. Because most resolutions only last for 15-30 days before they fizzle out and we go back to the old way of doing things I have decided to write an article that may help you with this challenge.
Here are 5 suggestions that can help you stick to your resolution for the entire year:
1. Change it from a New Year’s resolution, to a way of life. One common mistake is we don’t view this as a long term goal that is a part of the way we live and not just something we will do or try to do. You must make a lifestyle change. That means you will begin incorporating these changes into your daily life and your daily routine and it won’t be considered as an add on, but a lifestyle. Just be prepared to be in it for the long haul.
2. Share your goals with people you trust will hold you accountable. There are people who are in your corner and want to see you be successful at losing weight. I recommend that you not only share your goals, but also share each milestone with them no matter how small, so that way they can be a part of your celebration.
3. Don’t try to do it alone-everyone needs support. Either get a partner, be a part of a community of individuals trying to do the same thing; go to a gym, recreation center, exercise class or group meetings dealing with weight loss. Surround yourself with people who are working on similar goals.
4. Follow an existing plan, don’t be creative and do your own thing. It is my hypothesis that if what you were doing worked, you wouldn’t need to have this resolution in the first place. Fortunately, there’s a large number of weight loss programs, healthy eating plans, diets, slim down plans, and do on out there already. Find a healthy, credible plan that works for you and fits within your lifestyle. If you like the plan it is more probable that you will stick with it.
5. Don’t give up. This is the most important one of all. Sometimes you will fall off the wagon and it may seem useless but never give up. Know that there will always be bumps in the road, set- backs, unforeseen obstacles and trouble in your path, but when you fall down you must get back up, dust yourself off and chalk it up as power for the course and keep going. You are on a journey, so never give up.
If you follow these 5 suggestions the next time you decide to make weight loss resolutions, you will increase your chances of being successful.
Teach a dog
