Ringing in the New Year often means resolutions to improve your health, lose weight or exercise more.
Did you know that only about 10 percent of Americans achieve their New Year’s resolutions? Why the high failure rate? Most often, their resolutions are too big and overwhelming to manage long-term.
If you have resolutions for 2017, consider making small, specific goals rather than vague goals. These type of goals are more manageable, increasing your chances of long-term success.
For example, instead of saying “I’ll lose 50 pounds this year,” consider a resolution such as “I will focus on losing 5 pounds by the end of February by walking 30 minutes daily and packing my lunch for work three days per week.” It is a specific, short-term goal that can help you reach that long-term goal of losing a certain number of pounds.
Once you have met a personal goal, focus on expanding that goal or adding others, such as drinking a glass of water with each meal or eating a fruit or vegetable with each meal.
These small steps can have a very positive impact on your health and waistline. You will be less overwhelmed and more successful in the end, and there’s nothing better than the tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment you will experience with each goal you achieve.
