Refueling for 2006

Happy New Year!

So, today is the 2nd day of the New Year. How are those “resolutions” going (or have they already gone?)

Every year we get excited about the possibilities of change for the new year. We make plans and have good intentions and then by the first week of the new year, our excitement has turned to torment and our plans have gone by the wayside.

Why is that? Why are those great plans so hard to keep (or even start!)

Sometimes they don’t happen because we have a dream but not a plan.

Here are some tips to help you plan for and attain those wonderful goals you were so excited about on New Year’s Eve:

1. Take Action!: Good intentions are like ice cream cones in July–they will melt away right before your eyes unless you take some action! Your goal will disappear unless you actually do something. Wishing you were 10 pounds lighter won’t make you ten pounds lighter unless you back up the wish with some action (take less at meal time, get rid of the snacks that tempt you, take a walk after dinner, etc)

2. Focus on positives rather than perfection: Celebrate each step that moves you forward instead of focusing on how much you have fallen short of your goal or how much you still have left to do. Celebrate what you want to see more of AND what you have accomplished up to this point!

3. There is no failure…only feedback: We are human and bound to make a mistake or experience a setback or two. Remember, you have fallen into a “habit” of doing things. It takes time to reprogram your thoughts and actions in a new direction. Instead of giving up and saying “what’s the use” or “I screwed up already”, ask yourself “why” the setback occurred and then decide what you are going to do about it. If your goal is to walk 2 miles a day on the tread mill and you could only do 5 minutes, discover why you only had 5 minutes…is it a timing issue, energy level, scheduling, uncomfortable shoes, etc? Maybe if you had shoes that fit better you could actually walk longer, or maybe you forgot to “schedule” the time to walk and other things got in the way. You have a better chance of success if you can define what’s getting in your way.

4. Be Real: Is the goal you have chosen realistic for this time in your life? If you want to learn how to ice skate yet you have a broken leg and will be in a cast for the next two months, then the goal is not realistic for right now.

5. Tune into WIIFM: Otherwise known as “what’s in it for me?” Your goal should be something that you really want to change or achieve. Your goal should have some meaning or it will become a “have to”. Which gets you more motivated: “wanting to” or “having to”? I will walk 2 miles every day because I want to feel more energized, fit into my clothes better, have more stamina, etc. (or, my doctor said I have to walk 2 miles a day) Hmmm….

6. Can’t eat the elephant all in one bite: Take baby steps! If your overall goal is to loose 50 pounds in 2006, that can be overwhelming! Break it down into smaller, easier, more ‘do-able’ steps such as focusing on loosing 1 pound a week. Celebrate your success each week (but not with a Sundae from Dairy Queen) Heck, if you can loose 1 pound a week, in 52 weeks you will have not only reached, but EXCEEDED your original goal!

7. The Buddy System: Share your goal with someone you trust. Ask them to help you get back on course if you stray.

And remember, wishing ain’t gonna make it happen. Be the change you want to see.

Here’s hoping your dreams come true. Until we visit again, I wish you well.

Warm regards,
Kathlynn McConnell
Duluth, MN