by MAD

Created on: December 11, 2008   Last Updated: December 15, 2008

What is one of the first things that come to your mind when you hear "New Year?" It goes hand in hand with having resolutions. Not everyone lists out their resolutions, but we can be inspired in having goals that we would like to achieve for the coming year.

To not set yourself up for disappointment, be realistic with your resolutions. Take things one step at a time. Remember that the little things that you make each day are being invested into something bigger later on. For example: Instead of having a resolution like "I need to lose weight, 100 pounds, at this date so and so for Aunt Mary's big wedding day." Break down that finish line into something like: (1) I will eat banana once or twice a day, along with a serving of apple or orange. I will include that in my daily meals, fruits and vegetables. (2) I will start with 20 crunches in my first week and increase it by 10 more as the weeks go by. (3) I will exercise! To get me started, I will do 10 to 15 minutes first, and then intend to do more to 20, 30, to 45 minutes, so on. (4) I will cut down my soda intake - one can a day to two, three less, until I can do away without it. (5) I will not open that bag of chips for today. I will give myself a small treat of it by next week when I have done the first four targets earlier.

Focus on what you can do for the day. Do not make up any excuse. That is why in your intentions, it is listed down as "I WILL" because you ARE going to do it. Put your plan into action.

With regards to your weight-loss objective, avoid stressing yourself out by being addicted in checking the weighing scale all the time. You can monitor the pounds you lose in a regular basis, like weekly. Take note that a 10-minute workout on one day and stepping on the scale would not budge down that number pronto. These things take time and done in moderation, you are on your way to achieving your aim. Keep in mind that you are doing daily deposits to your healthy living. Notice the changes that come into effect from what you do. Like before, you may have had difficulty in going up the stairs, but after you have been doing your regular workout, you can now do it easier without the wheezing. Your knees do not hurt as much anymore. Give yourself a good pat in the back with these good developments. Be kind to yourself that every hard work that you do really does pay off. Next thing you know, you are able to fit back into your favorite old, white, booty jeans!

Welcome the New Year with a positive attitude and you will be on your first step to keeping your resolutions.

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