New Year, New You

A very happy New Year to all the Good Life followers. Making New Year’s resolutions is an annual ritual for most, so we thought a post on the topic would be a great way to start 2012. Though some may think that resolutions are pointless, setting goals for a new period in one’s life demonstrates a desire to change and improve for a better life. In this post, we discuss five ways for a new You this 2012.

1. Buddy up
Being accountable to someone is a great way to make a change. Often we fail to tell those close to us of our goals in fear of not reaching these goals. Pair up with a trusted friend or family member and tell them of your plans. Telling a buddy what your goals are will instantly increase your chances of reaching that goal.
Also, a buddy is a great person to role play with for when situations get tough. You’re on a low calorie diet but have been invited out for dinner- what do you order, and how do you prevent yourself from overeating? You gain 5kg after a week away- what do you do now? Buddies should motivate you to stay on track so choose a trustworthy, encouraging and supportive buddy with a positive attitude. A buddy who is aiming to achieve a similar goal to you or has been through the same experience as you is a great added bonus.



2. Review last year’s resolutions
Review, redefine and refine your goals from last year. Do you make a resolution yet don’t see it through, or give up when it gets too tough? Is your resolution doable? If your new year’s resolution is the same every year, is it time to make a new one?
Be honest and take an objective look at your goals. It is good practice to look at your short-comings, accept them, and make plans to overcome them in the future. Think back to identify what went worng and what worked. Using a pen and paper re-evaluate and analyze 2011’s resolutions. At the top of the page write down your resolution, and in two columns elaborate on what factors helped you to achieve that resolution, and what hindered you. With another coloured pen, write down how you can change those factors that hindered you.
For example, if your goal was to lose weight and your husband’s support was lacking, chat to him about the reasons why you want to lose weight, and how you would like for him to offer his support. If your cholesterol levels are high book a consultation with a registered dietitian who can help you identify dietary and lifestyle changes that are most effective to lower cholesterol. If your goal was to exercise more and gyming didn’t go well for you, join one of the many classes offered at gym instead, join a local Run for Life or Walk for Life group, or try the great Adventure Boot Camp for a new challenge.



3. Identify your reasons for change
Instead of making a new year’s resolution for the sake of it, rather recognize why you want to make a change. Do you want to lose weight to fit in that dress you bought when you were 18, or do you want to lose weight because your family has a high rate of cardiovascular disease? You may need to reframe goals, so spend time thinking about your real reason for change.

4. Bite-size your resolution
All bright-eyed and bushy tailed, your commitment to eating more fruit and vegetables in January is easy. However when the cooler winter months set in a hearty stew is a lot more tempting than cold salad. Every long-term goal has different phases to achieving the ultimate goal. Divide your goal into smaller, more attainable goals. Handling smaller, more bite-size goals are much easier to manage as opposed to being overwhelmed by a goal that seems far-fetched.
For example, rather than promising yourself to lose 20kg this year, go for a more step-by-step approach and focusing on one small step at a time. As each new behavior becomes a habit for you, move on to your next goal and repeat the process.

5. Have a maintenance plan of action
There’ll come a point where you reach your target weight, or new blood tests show your once high cholesterol levels are now normal. Now what? Most people focus so much on achieving a goal that they forget to plan for the post-goal period too.
Once a goal is achieved it is still important to maintain the lifestyle changes that it took to achieve that goal. Make your focus all about enjoying the process, as well as about the final result. This way, your new regimen can become a way of life rather than a temporary measure that you feel you have to endure.

To prevent from slipping back into old ways record weight, centimeters lost, cholesterol levels, blood pressure readings, or the number of times you go to gym. Setting bit-sized, smaller goals as mentioned above will go a long way in helping to maintain change over the long-term.