New Years Resolutions for Success

Most everyone is considering this time of year to begin change. Lose weight? Stop smoking? Get in shape? Are the top three, however, most of these resolutions are broken and set aside within 30 days. Is there anything one can do to improve their odds to success?

Pareto’s principle states that 20% of the people do 80% of the work, and 80% of the people do 20% of the work. So which group are you in? or what will you consciously choose today? Sometimes it isn’t what one does as much as it is doing something in the general direction of the goal. So when setting a goal, make a list of as many as 10 things one can do to make that goal more achievable. 

Let’s take a look at what one might put on their list:

Ten things to help me lose weight:

1.     Eat breakfast

2.     Drink 8+ ounces of water a few minutes before each meal

3.     Use a smaller plate

4.     Set my utensils down between bites

5.     Taste my food and enjoy each bite

6.     Count calories, carbohydrates and fat grams

7.     Take a walk after dinner to limit nibbling

8.     Prepare a little snack at night to curb the munchies

9.     Remove tempting foods from the cabinets

10. Be accountable to a family member or friend

Ten things to help me quit smoking:

1.     Check with the doctor on cessation programs

2.     Learn to do self hypnosis

3.     Don’t carry cigarettes, set them somewhere else

4.     Chew on a toothpick

5.     Learn to meditate and do so 15 minutes twice a day

6.     Call oneself a “non-smoker”

7.     Join a support group like “Smoker’s Anonymous”

8.     Take a multiple vitamin

9.     Drink water to flush the nicotine away

10. Look for alternative help, like homeopathic medicine

Ten things to get in shape:

1.     Set a reasonable goal with small goals

2.     Start slow so one doesn’t get “sore”

3.     Enlist a friend to work out or walk together

4.     Have a change of routine depending on weather or time limits

5.     Play lively music to get you moving

6.     Learn to meditate and do so 15 minutes twice a day

7.     Reward oneself on a weekly or bimonthly basis, such as going to see a movie or some other fun activity

8.     Put goals together, get in shape and shed 10 pounds

9.     Get up 15 minutes early for a pep talk and compliments

10. Visualize the body of your dreams: svelte, energetic and healthy

Many times, success comes not with doing everything right, but by doing something consistently. Even 80% of ones program will bring success, it just might take a little longer. Also, these don’t have to be all or nothing. If one “falls off the wagon” then regroup and begin again (before January of next year). It’s ok to forgive oneself, have a big sigh, nod your head in agreement, and start again. After all, these goals are lifestyle changes that will offer a higher quality of life, and that’s worth the effort.