Keeping your New Year's resolutions

The new year is a great time to set new goals, wipe the slate clean, and begin with fresh energy. Unfortunately, “New Year’s Resolutions” rarely stick. The problem is that people start 1. too many goals and 2. too big goals. When the goals become unmanageable, people often get frustrated and quit instead of readjusting and trying again. If you have some goals that you want to accomplish this year, try these tips to help you stay focused on the year ahead.

1. KISS- Keep it simple, sweetie. –We all want to improve. But, if you try to overhaul your life overnight, burn out is a sure-fire result. Instead, write down all of your goals and pick one or two of the most important ones to focus on for this year.
2. Choose the right goals. –As you are narrowing down your list, you want to focus on goals that will most affect your health and happiness. Beginning a new exercise program, stopping smoking, or going to marriage counseling are all examples that could affect multiple aspects of your life.
3. Eat that elephant. –You know the saying, “how do you eat an elephant?” The answer is “one bite at a time”. You can’t “lose 50 pounds” or “Save $1000” overnight. What you can do however is divide that goal up over several months or throughout the whole year. 50 pound in a year is less than a pound a week. $1000 savings is less than $1000 a month.
4. Choose a realistic time frame. –Like the above, if you have too big goals that you want to accomplish too quickly, you’re going to get frustrated. Break it down. Lots of people don’t even make “year” resolutions; they make quarterly resolutions. What are you going to focus on this season? This month? This week?
5. Keep notes. –Make a vision board. Keep a journal. Start a blog. Do whatever it takes to keep track of your progress in a visual way so that you have a reminder of where you are going. That way, when temptation comes along, you will be less likely to fall prey to it.
6. Practice self-care. –So many people say “treat yourself” but instead, think of practicing good self-care. Yes, sometimes, that may mean a massage or a mani/pedi, but sometimes, it means adding meditation, picking up a new hobby, challenging yourself to a new workout, or having an extra date night so that you can celebrate your relationship.
7. Don’t give up. Challenges will come your way. If you look back at Dr. Smith’s Reboot videos, you can see how he was honest that when he traveled, sticking to the planned meals became difficult or impossible. He didn’t quit the program though; he did the best he could, and then got back on track when he got home. Be prepared if you hit a roadblock. Make plans for how you will get back on track. Don’t try to be perfect. You are in charge of you and you deserve your ULTIMATE LIFE and your ultimate year.

Best wishes and happy new year from all of us at Ultimate Bariatrics.