New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work

Try This Instead!

Are you thinking of a New Year’s resolution this year? If you are and it is a health and wellness goal you are trying to achieve, think smart.

Don’t set unrealistic goals that will be tough to attain, leaving you feeling bad about yourself.  Instead, set specific goals that are attainable.  Specific goals with measurable, attainable and realistic results will leave you in a much better position to achieve them. Set yourself up for success, rather than failure!

Here is an example I use often with a client that comes to me needing to lose weight.  She wants to lose 25 pounds.  After her three kids were born she let herself go. The struggle has been going on for years.  Instead of working on the goal of  “25 pound weight-loss”,  I have her break it up into smaller, realistic goals. Sure I want her to lose the weight, but my main goal is to teach her habits that will get her to her goal, and keep her there.

So, maybe the first month we are training I have her work on quitting soda, diet also (not healthy!), and getting in 8 glasses of water a day.  This alone can be a daunting task!  I have clients try essential oils in their water if they struggle to drink that much plain water, it works!  (I use Vitality Line Young Living).  When we accomplish this small goal, which builds her confidence, this will lead us to the next behavioral change.  Maybe this one is to cut out fast food and cook three home-cooked meals a week.  These changes will take some time, but they ultimately will get her to her goal of losing 25 pounds.  Using this method teaches lifestyle change.  This means her results will last.  She won’t gain back that weight, because she has learned the habits and behavioral changes it takes to stay healthy, strong, and keep her metabolism going.

Anyone can lose weight, but are you working out at the same time in order to keep muscle and lose fat?  Are you getting in the proper nutrients to keep you healthy?  Consider these things.  It is not just about the scale.

So, forget about New Year’s Resolutions friends!  Instead, focus on lifestyle changes to improve your health. There is no quick fix when it comes to lasting improvements in your life, it requires behavior modification.  Small changes over time lead to the desired result! 

Celebrate your small wins.  Habits that will change your life, for the rest of your life.

Elissa XOXO

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