SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS IN 2012
Story by Jacquie Clancy
Image from istockphoto.com
During the holidays it seems that making time to go to the gym drops a few spots on the priority list; the willpower to save and not spend money disappears; and eating so many cookies that you fall into a food coma is not something out of the ordinary. But when January hits, it’s time to celebrate the new year – and that means making a resolution or two.
The whole point of making a resolution is to set a goal that you’ll try to attain by the end of the year. What usually happens, though, is the goal you choose for yourself is not realistic or feasible at all. For example, one of the most common resolutions is to lose weight, but dropping 10 pounds in one month – a goal many people set for themselves – is not very likely (or healthy) for most of us. Once it becomes obvious that the goal you’ve set for yourself is not going to come true, disappointment sets in and then the resolution is brushed aside all together.
After polling some people to find out what their new year’s resolutions are for 2012, Plaid has put together a list of things to consider when creating a can-do list of goals. The most important thing to remember is that you have to be realistic with the goals you choose to set for yourself.
Healthier Lifestyle Resolutions
- If your goal is to try and make it to the gym more often, schedule your workouts like you would a dentist appointment or a movie date. That way you will feel obligated to go, even if you don’t feel like working out. Also, be sure not to set any lofty expectations for yourself (like resolving to hit the gym every day) or you’ll wear out. Schedule in 3-4 workouts a week, and if you can make it for an extra workout you’ll feel like you’re doing even better than expected!
- If you want to try and eat healthier it’s always a good idea to keep a food journal. If you see in writing exactly what you are putting into your body you will feel more accountable for the food choices you are making. Using a food journal will also help you when choosing portion sizes, which is a diet killer for a lot of people; make a note of the approximate size of your meal, and whether you finished it or not. Trying a drastic diet is something that will lose its appeal quickly, but by making small changes to your everyday menus your resolution will likely last longer, and you’ll be making a lifestyle change that you will really notice the benefits of.
Self-Fulfillment Resolutions
- If you’ve decided that 2012 is going to be the year for YOU, your first step is to set aside time for yourself. If you want to pick up a new hobby, like learning an instrument or taking cooking classes, choose one night a week where that is what you focus on. If something else comes up, make sure you reschedule with yourself as soon as possible.
- If you’re trying to make a conscious effort to have more patience with family members, friends or co-workers, you’ll have to make sure you’re thinking positively as often as possible. A good exercise to try is thinking of positive things as soon as you wake up; this will set you up for happy thoughts all day!
Planning for the Future Resolutions
- Saving money is definitely a common resolution. Whether it’s saving for a down payment on a new house, for a vacation or even a new purse you’ve been eyeing, the key is to plan ahead. For example, designate a certain realistic amount from each pay cheque to automatically be put into a savings account. Once you do that, you’ll get used to the money being taken out and before you know it you’ve saved up enough to make a serious dent in your spending plans!
- Another resolution a lot of people share is to spend more time with family and friends. Sometimes we get too busy with work or school to fit in quality time with the people we love, so try choosing one night a week, for half an hour, where you catch up with those near and dear. By appointing time to fit in a call to your grandma or send an email to a friend you haven’t spoken to in months, you can cross one of the resolutions off your list easily while making sure you keep the people most important to you in your life for many years to come.
Try to make this year different by planning realistic resolutions that are possible to succeed at. Keep focused and keep reminding yourself about the end goal you want to see. These constant reminders will help you stay positive and make 2012 a great year!
