5 Resolutions That Are Actually Realistic
January 2, 2015 // Fitness, Nutrition, Wellness
It’s the first Monday of the 2015. Week 1 of 52. A fresh start. A restart. A clean slate. A time to change. Setting goals is an important step in planning your success. When determining a goal, a person must consider if their resolution is actually realistic for their lifestyle. Here are five resolutions that are realistic for anyone.
5 Realistic Resolutions
1. Do Less
Considering the age of technology we live in, we are constantly consumed by distractions. Netflix. Emails. Facebook. Instagram. YouTube. Candy Crush. The list goes on and on. Most (if not all) of our attention is involved in the external and virtual environment.
This year, allow yourself a small window of time that is unplugged, disconnected, and offline. In 2015, resolve to be in the moment. This pursuit will help you embrace mindfulness. Spend 10 minutes sitting quietly and focus on your breathing, posture, or anything internal. This is simple, but powerful component of self-happiness. Best of all, it can be done anywhere at anytime.
Example: Starting this year, I will wait 15 minutes before using my phone, computer, or tablet after I wake up.
Here’s a great commercial that sums it all up:
2. Replace/Swap/Substitute
When you decide to address a negative habit, you have to consider the void that will exist when you remove your vice(s). Typically, a person may announce “I’m not having wine with dinner anymore” or “I’m not going to eat the cookies in the snack room starting Monday” and overlook the difficulty with self-control when removing a pleasurable habit, even if it’s negatively affecting your well-being.
The secret to removing a bad habit is to outline a suitable replacement. Use the Replace/Swap/Substitute method and figure out what is going to fill the void when you cut out a vice. Remember, we don’t plan to fail — we fail to plan. Make a full-proof plan so the transition to better choices is easy on your mind and body.
Example: Starting this year, I will keep a full supply of raw nuts and fresh fruit at home and at work.
3. Give Yourself Better Rewards
Acknowledging your accomplishments and successes is an important aspect to self-worth. It’s vital that we each recognize our improvements and progress. The problem sometimes lies within the reward. A reward should be a treat or bonus that you desire. However, if your reward is self-destructive or potentially jeopardizes your continued success, you should re-evaluate your reward system.
I had a client who wanted to reach a weight loss goal before a trip to South America. After reaching his goal, he told me he was going to celebrate his new body size during his trip. 2 weeks later, my client came back with an additional 18 pounds! (This is not an exaggeration) When he stepped back on the scale after returning, he realized the irony behind his celebrating.
Focus on rewards that help you get better, not worse.
Example: Starting this year, I will plan different, positive rewards for my progress.
4. Join A Team or Make Your Own
Every piece of research on winning formulas highlight the need for social support and accountability. While it may seem noble and strong of you to embrace your goals and resolutions alone, history tells us that you are far less likely to sustain your progress and efforts without a coach, mentor, or support team. Athletes have coaches. Executives have boards. Clients have trainers. The need for program oversight is critical to your success. There is a reason why Jenny Craig, Curves, and Weight Watchers have been around for multiple decades.
Outline your goals and put them in the hands of someone who can help ensure the goals are met.
Example: Starting this year, I will research a nutrition coach and a workout class in my area.
5. Learn Something New
This is my personal favorite. The doors of opportunity swing wide open when you resolve to continue learning. This past year, I promised myself I would become a fully functional cook. I now cook 90% of my meals from scratch and in turn I have direct control over what enters my body.
Write down a list of your small things you want to learn and try them out. Commit to trying something new each month, week, or even everyday. There is lifelong value within the pursuit of expanding your mind.
Example: Starting this year, I will learn how to buy, prepare, and store fresh produce.
Review
Resolutions are great ways to evaluate and plan for future successes. The best strategies are the ones most realistic for you.