By Dee Griffin
How are those new year resolutions going? With the new year, the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions often comes up. Something about the calendar changing over to a new year give us a sort of clean slate or the opportunity to make changes we have been putting off. Common ones are to loos weight, exercise more, save money . . . the list could go on.
If you have already given up on those resolutions, you are not alone. Typically by mid-January most people have abandoned their resolutions. Why is it so hard to stick to those resolutions?
Most commonly it is setting unrealistic goals. We may aim too high for example setting out to lose 30 pounds in January is probably too lofty of a goal. That type of goal sets you up for failure from the start. Remember that change takes time. Expecting immediate results can lead to discouragement.
Another issue is the goal may be too vague. You may have set a resolution to “get fit” or “be healthier” but what does that look like? There is a clear lack of direction in vague goals. A better way to set the resolution is to say something like, “I will exercise three times a week” makes your resolution a little clearer and provides for an easy check to see if you are on track or not.
You also need to develop a detailed plan. Without details it is easy to lose focus and motivation. Incorporating accountability is another helpful element to reaching those resolutions. Sharing your goals with an accountability partner can provide the encouragement and support you may be missing to persevere.
It is important to celebrate small victories along the way and understand that progress may be gradual.
To increase your chances of success, set realistic and specific goals, create a detailed plan, seek support, and be patient. Visualizing success, tracking progress, and rewarding achievements can also help maintain motivation. Remember, the journey to self-improvement is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay committed and keep pushing towards your goals, and you’ll find that lasting change is possible.
About the Author
Dee Anne Griffin owns Dynamic Health Solutions, LLC, and is a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of medical experience. She specializes in creating personalized health plans for her patients. When she’s not practicing medicine, Griffin enjoys tending to animals on her family farm and staying active in her church.
Contact:
Dynamic Health Solutions, LLC
169 A Medical Circle, West Columbia, SC
Phone: 803-454-1661
