Sabotaging method number one: Aim High! While aiming high can be advantageous in many endeavors I find that New Year’s resolutions stand a better chance of succeeding when they are more specific and realistic. After all, the goal is to succeed at achieving these resolutions, correct? The popular resolutions often involve losing weight and exercising more. Aiming high might be saying “I am going to lose 60 pounds by summer.” Or “I am going to work out six days a week.” I would recommend you set smaller goals such as committing to losing five pounds at a time until you get to a weight you are comfortable with. Or committing to working out a minimum of three times per week. These are very attainable goals that you are likely to achieve.
Being Spontaneous in and of itself is a wonderful ability. However, when it comes to succeeding with your New Year’s resolutions you will need a plan. The idea of losing weight or working out more or spending less money, etc. are just that: great ideas. To make them more tangible you will need a thought out plan of action. How will you lose weight? Are you going to use a certain diet program? Have you researched the program and made sure it is for you? Also, I suggest you have back up plan in case you don’t like the initial program. Quitting isn’t an option so having a second choice gives you some flexibility!
Devaluing yourself is sabotaging method number three! While it is true there will usually be too much to do and too little time you have to make a conscious decision to prioritizing yourself if you want to be successful with your goals. You have to decide you are worth it! No guilt tripping yourself! You will have to make your new goals a high priority. For instance, if you decided to start a diet program to lose weight then it is critical that during the first six weeks you arrange your life so that outside of work and family duties you will be focusing on making you and your program a top priority. For example, I started on a new diet December 27 last year. A friend of mine was having a New Year’s Eve party. I chose not to go because I knew there was no way I could follow my strict food program there. It would have been a quick trip down the failure road.
Lastly, the command “Be Independent” is another path to failing at meeting your new goals. While learning to be independent in general is a good thing, when you are seeking to learn new behaviors now is the time to ask for help. Find a partner or two who also want to achieve similar goals. Whether it be diet buddies or workout partners reach out and ask for support. It is important to have emotional support with your goals. A person you can call or text who can encourage you and help you stay motivated. Or maybe you need to ask for additional professional help such as hiring a personal trainer, using hypnosis, a life coach or even therapy.
Deborah Day M.A. Blog 