It’s the New Year, So… What Now?

Have you thought about that question as January comes to a close and we are now fully into 2018?

Whether it is because of the cliché or the cynic inside, we are quick to reject resolutions for the New Year. Forgetting those silly, easily disregarded “resolutions” like wanting to lose 20 pounds by Valentine’s Day, resolutions reflect our hope that with each new year we have an opportunity to improve ourselves. If you have ever made a resolution, it means you have believed in the chance at a fresh start to become the best version of yourself.

I know what you are thinking. If that is so, then why is it that we almost always fail? Before you start tossing out your self-esteem and future goals, you have to first understand that it’s not just you.

There is actually a global trend of falling short of New Year’s resolutions. There’s a reason why gym memberships and Weight Watchers meetings are maxed out on January 2 and then have an enormous drop off by February 1. Maybe the reasons lay with the resolutions themselves. Are they too ambitious, vague or unrealistic? Are these goals we set for ourselves that we know realistically we will most likely never complete, at least without some sort of accountability? Most times, we do not even know why we committed to join a new gym or purchased a series of exercise classes, was that what we wanted to do or did we think it’s what others thought we should do?

Maybe this year it is a better idea to make a list of things that serve you and what you actually need. I believe that these are some suggestions that may make sense for you do just that.

• Listen to Yourself.  What is it that your heart needs most right now? It could be that vacation plan you put off because it was never a good time. It could be considering a new job opportunity if you feel you aren’t utilizing your full potential.  Or it could be picking up a hobby you haven’t had time for. Our hearts and minds do tell us what we need, but we often suppress those feelings under the pressure of other people. If you resolve to listen to your heart and do something that feels right to you there is bound to be a sense of accomplishment and joy.
• Be Kind to Yourself.  When we are kind to ourselves we open up to not only ourselves, but all the people around us too. When we stop searching for someone else to treat us right, and give ourselves the love we deserve, we are left with the energy and ability to treat others better too.
• Do One Good Thing for Your Body & Health Every Day.  Set a small, manageable goal for yourself every day. Decide what that goal is going to be and commit to it. Soon you will find it becoming part of your routine. Even if it is as simple as drinking 8 glasses of water each day or giving up diet soda, the closer you feel to your goal, the more likely you are to be successful.
• Practice Random Acts of Kindness for Everyone.  Kindness goes around in a circle. It is bound to come back to you sooner or later, whether as karmic balance of the universe or as the people you helped helping you back. It will refresh your soul and replenish your depleting self-esteem.
• Find One Thing to be Grateful for Every Day.  When you make gratitude a habit you will see the extent of your gratitude and may even discover a greater appreciation for life. Maybe one day when you are able to be grateful to your beautiful body and all it’s capable of, you will appreciate the way you look and may even enjoy taking better care of yourself.  When that happens you find yourself losing the extra weight without thinking so hard about it or feeling pressured. 

To find out more about how I can help you Feel Better In Your Body, sign up for a complimentary consultation to discuss your health and wellness goals.

Yours In Good Health,