Making Resolutions A Reality

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S (EVE!)!!!!!

Jameka's Question: It's resolution time... and boy do I have some resolutions to make smh. I've got lots of pounds to get rid of and I FEEL like this is my year. What advice would you give to make health/lifestyle resolutions come to fruition, instead of mere plans to change?

Sierra's Answer: Well unfortunately, most people don't make healthy lifestyle choices until they have a life altering event that causes them to make better decisions. This makes holding to a healthy lifestyle resolution difficult since in essence you're life is already somewhat healthy. So the problem isn't the resolution itself but the actual dedication to it... but I'm sure you're probably like "duh" lol.

Here's one sure fire way to hold true to a resolution is to find a support system. Whether it's your roommate, your church family, siblings, or whoever, there is power in numbers. Even if you can't stay true to the resolution, you're more likely to be accountable to your friends. (No one wants to miss out on the latest gossip at the gym lol). Also, don't set yourself up for failure.  

Make your resolutions something that is actually attainable and time limited. Don't just say I'm going to drop 30lbs in 2011... that could mean you start working out in November. Say something more realistic like "I'm going to drops 5lbs a month". That way you have a goal for every month and if you don't reach it, it won't kill you to make up the weight for the next month. Another way to make sure you stay the course is to find a calendar and put it somewhere that you can readily see it. What you have to do is write what your goals are now on the calendar while you're still thinking of them. Don't expect yourself to remember in January what you want to do in August.

Lastly, remember why you're making the change for the better. Some people like to keep a "diet diary" or whatever you want to call it. (I personally don't like the word diet) But keeping up with the "why" of why you're doing something will help remind you to stay the course. This may be drastic yet reality, but my reminder to change my lifestyle would be that my grandmother was just diagnosed with diabetes and I don't want to develop it as well. Now something like that is fresh in my mind because it's recent news and a good motivator, but I might get used to it and not pay as much attention later in the year.

Good luck with the resolutions and remember you can make new ones throughout the year. You don't have to wait until the ball drops again to decide to change your lifestyle :)