Yes it sounds harsh; harsh but fair I would say!
Here are some of the most common New Year's Resolutions that rarely make it until February;
• Lose weight
• Get fit
• Eat healthier
• Get out of debt
• Be more sociable
• Earn more money
• Start my own business
I could go on… So why are these aims doomed to failure before they even get going? Define fit, how much weight and to what purpose, what to eat, how will I get out of debt, by when? etc… Too many people take on too much when it comes to New Year's Resolutions without really thinking how they will make these changes; it's easy to reel off a load of ambitious aims when there's a whole year ahead of us but what are we going to do each and every day to take us one step nearer to those goals? We have to know exactly what we want to achieve and then we have to plan and take action steps to make them happen.
To make real, and more importantly, sustainable changes we need to think smart - as in SMART goals;
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Timely
Although arguably one of the hardest goals to achieve, quitting something has the highest chance of succeeding - 'stop smoking right as of Jan 1st' fits all the above criteria - the trickiest bits are the Achievable and Realistic depending on the person; the habit to break, their willpower, their support network, whether they can make themselves accountable to someone. Compare that to #1 on our list - lose weight. Why do I want to lose weight in the first place, how can I lose weight safely and sustainably, how much and at what pace, by when, then what??? (There's a reason 'diets' don't work!)
If this all sounds overwhelming and too much like hard work why even bother? Well, there is an answer; a guaranteed path to success, and all you need is to put one 'anytime' resolution into practice;
"Starting right now, using SMART goals I will take small, easy and sustainable steps to constantly improve every aspect of my life - and I will do it forever!"
As a trained and certified Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach, my job, (and my passion) is to help people like YOU become the best possible version of yourself. If you want to know more about making permanent improvements to all areas of your life, contact me for a FREE, no obligation one-on-one health and lifestyle consultation. For a list of my services click here and wherever you are and whatever you get up to, have a fabulous 2014 :-)
Here are some of the most common New Year's Resolutions that rarely make it until February;
• Lose weight
• Get fit
• Eat healthier
• Get out of debt
• Be more sociable
• Earn more money
• Start my own business
I could go on… So why are these aims doomed to failure before they even get going? Define fit, how much weight and to what purpose, what to eat, how will I get out of debt, by when? etc… Too many people take on too much when it comes to New Year's Resolutions without really thinking how they will make these changes; it's easy to reel off a load of ambitious aims when there's a whole year ahead of us but what are we going to do each and every day to take us one step nearer to those goals? We have to know exactly what we want to achieve and then we have to plan and take action steps to make them happen.
To make real, and more importantly, sustainable changes we need to think smart - as in SMART goals;
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Timely
Although arguably one of the hardest goals to achieve, quitting something has the highest chance of succeeding - 'stop smoking right as of Jan 1st' fits all the above criteria - the trickiest bits are the Achievable and Realistic depending on the person; the habit to break, their willpower, their support network, whether they can make themselves accountable to someone. Compare that to #1 on our list - lose weight. Why do I want to lose weight in the first place, how can I lose weight safely and sustainably, how much and at what pace, by when, then what??? (There's a reason 'diets' don't work!)
If this all sounds overwhelming and too much like hard work why even bother? Well, there is an answer; a guaranteed path to success, and all you need is to put one 'anytime' resolution into practice;
"Starting right now, using SMART goals I will take small, easy and sustainable steps to constantly improve every aspect of my life - and I will do it forever!"
As a trained and certified Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach, my job, (and my passion) is to help people like YOU become the best possible version of yourself. If you want to know more about making permanent improvements to all areas of your life, contact me for a FREE, no obligation one-on-one health and lifestyle consultation. For a list of my services click here and wherever you are and whatever you get up to, have a fabulous 2014 :-)