OK, let us be honest. How many resolutions have you thought about for 2019? How many 2019 New Year’s resolutions are you going to complete?
New Year’s Resolutions
It seems that many people make a resolution to lose weight and shape up. I would guess that nearly all of us make those resolutions in some form at least once in a lifetime. Perhaps that guesstimate is on the low side???
SMART resolutions that stick
There is a simple acronym that is used to set goals. It is called SMART. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-based. We all should throw in an S on the end by adding Support. So, we end up with SMARTS in the end. Let me break down my thoughts on this.
So, you want to lose 50 pounds. To be honest, that is next to impossible if you really think about it. HOLD ON, I did not say quit already. Break down the larger goal into many smaller goals that you can realistically attain. Instead of the lump sum of 50 pounds, try 1 pound per week. That is more realistic and should be attainable. You also have a time stamp on the goal: 1 lb per week for 50 weeks.
Now, get someone to help you with your goal. I would suggest that you find a friend that will begin walking with you 3 times a week. This person can also help you when you want to quit or when you gain a pound one week instead of losing.
Use your SMARTS
Now that you have a tool, use it. Keep things simple. As an instructor kept telling me my freshman college years, you cannot eat an elephant in one bit. You must take one bite and chew at a time before you can swallow. Apply this concept to what you want to accomplish. Use your SMARTS with SMART goals for your 2019 New Year’s Resolutions.