New Year's Resolutions

Just when you’re almost recovered from the holidays, already it’s time for your New Year’s resolutions.

It’s common to beat yourself up because you wanted to lose 20 pounds last year, and now it’s time to resolve to lose it again. Or, you wanted better health, less pain, more wealth, more happiness, more something and you’re still in the same place you were this time last year.

Then this year, try something different. Reflect on your 2007 and focus on what was positive. If you want to lose weight, did you think about eating healthier, read some labels or try walking? It doesn’t matter if you did it consistently or even saw any results. It matters that you tried.

Wherever you are, now is your starting point. Gently build on it. If you are only able to walk for five minutes, once or twice a day, do five minutes consistently. Then, as you are able, gradually add a minute or two. If your health or pain is too severe to do even that, do what you can.

You get the idea. Gradually shift to achieve whatever New Year’s resolution you want. Be very good to yourself along the way. When you find yourself derailed, tell yourself how wonderful it is to have the insight so quickly that you are getting off track. Reward yourself with positive self talk for the good things you are doing. It really is more about direction than speed. The better you feel about what you’ve done, the better you feel about what you’re doing, the easier it becomes to stay on track.

Find a friend. If you are feeling overwhelmed, consider pairing up with a friend, join an organization or hire a coach to support you in establishing this new way of thinking and living. You can do it. No matter where you are, it is within reach. You can feel better, live happier and have the relationships and life that you want. It starts with one step and success is realized by taking that one step each day.

Good luck and may all your New Year’s resolutions and dreams come true.