Have you fallen off the New Year’s Resolution bandwagon? If so, it’s not too late to get back on track. Here are a few tips to renew those resolutions – pronto!
1. Revise your goals. Like goals you set at the workplace, healthy living goals need to be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Go back and look at those resolutions you made after Christmas. Do they meet these criteria? If not, revise and keep at it.
2. Eat healthy meals at home. Choose healthy, whole foods that are in season, and you won’t feel pressured to spend hours in the kitchen whipping up restaurant-worthy dishes. In fact, eating out is one sure way to spend more money without really knowing what you’re eating. Why not shrink the pocket book and the waistline at the same time?
3. Learn how to cook. It’s not as hard as you think and it’s never too late to learn. Whether you get helpful hints from my new book, Eat In Not Out, or peruse the websites of all the great contributors to my book, you’ll find ways to turn your kitchen into a centerpiece for delicious meals and lasting memories for friends and family.
4. Enlist a support crew. When it comes down to winning Nascar races, the pit crew is just as important as the driver. The crew changes tires, fills up oil and gas and gets the car back out on the track – in record time. Your support crew is equally as critical in keeping you on track to reach your healthy living goals. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, encouragement, patience and a few cheers. And be sure to share your gratitude for their help.
5. Track your progress. Whether you use prefer a journal, iPhone app or Excel spreadsheet, make sure you record what you eat and how long you worked out. Don’t skimp on details like sleep, weather and other life factors. By looking back at your records over time and noticing how different aspects of your healthy living plan interrelate, you can find the winning formula for high performance and feeling good. Here’s my Weekly Health Calendar to get you started.
6. Cut yourself a break. There will be days when you turn off that alarm clock when you meant to get up and exercise. And nights when you have that second piece of pie or glass of wine. Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and it’s alright if you do, too. Enjoy the indulgence and get back on track tomorrow.
7. Reward yourself. As you establish milestones for your healthy living goals and new years resolutions, make sure you celebrate what you accomplish. Whether it’s a trip to the spa, a visit to your favorite clothes shop or immersing yourself in a warm bubble bath, make sure you treat yourself to something cherished.
Do you have any secrets to sticking to your resolutions?
