3 Tips for Setting Realistic Goals
It’s that time of year again! New year, new you! With last year in the past, many of us are making New Year’s resolutions. Often the resolutions are health-related or centered around weight loss. Chances are, along with many others, this will not be the first time you have made this same resolution and that is okay!
Now that we well into the year, how are your resolutions going? Are you staying strong or have you already begun to lose steam? According to U.S. News, over 80% of New Year’s resolutions are broken by February. We often do not set ourselves up for success and do not even know it. So how can we really make this year different? At CentreSpringMD we take a holistic approach to your health and want to make sure you are set up for success. Make this year your year for success and maintain your resolutions with just a few simple tips:
- Know, write down and remember your why. We all have a why. I like to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly because I know it improves my energy, mental clarity and health. When you know your why it is easier to resist when there is a box of donuts sitting out at work. Also, make sure you write this down. Writing down your New Year’s resolutions, a motivation and plan for action helps solidify your commitments and improve your success. Tell yourself your “why” several times per day, put it on your mirror or on your phone screen saver.
- Set a specific goal that is measurable and achievable. Most people fail by setting overly ambitious and/or overly restrictive goals ― like quitting sugar when you haven’t already been making small changes to improve your diet. This can be one major cause of failure. You can have an ambitious overall goal, but set smaller, measurable and realistic goals along the way. Make sure to create a timeline of when you achieve each step and keep yourself accountable. Making smaller changes and incorporating them in your lifestyle is the way to make permanent lifestyle changes. You can do this!
- Have a support system. Tell someone about your goals and how you plan to achieve them! This is so important for success. You need to have a support system in place so there is someone in the beginning who can help hold you accountable while giving sound advice. This might be a close friend or family member who has similar goals, or even a medical provider or dietitian who can help you throughout your journey. You should not be in this alone. If you need additional support, schedule an appointment with me or any provider at CentreSpringMD. We are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals!
Alright, new year – here we come! With these tools for success I know you can stay on track. If you “mess up” remember that lifestyle changes are a process. Do not be too hard on yourself and get right back at it – remember your “why”, set a more specific or achievable goal, and reach out to your support system! It is never too early or too late to start when it comes to your health.
To Optimal Health,
Christina Grace FNP-C
