how to succeed with your resolutions
I think part of the problem in keeping resolutions is taking one’s time in compiling them in the first place. Some resolutions are no more than “wishes”, which isn’t a bad thing but without a well thought out plan to keep our resolutions, there’s no chance we’ll be successful.
Resolutions should be based on sound strategy. Sometimes we sabotage ourselves before we even begin. For example, let’s say weight loss or weight control is one of my resolutions. Instead of just saying, “I’ll eat healthier”, I need to qualify what makes unhealthy eating.
I will plan healthy meals.
I will eat fruit and veggies every day
. I will only bring healthy food into my home. I will do this by shopping the perimeter of the store.
I will develop a strategy for eating away from home.
I will tell myself not every special occasion is an excuse to indulge. It’s amazing how every occasion becomes “special” when we need an excuse to indulge.
never works to declare, “Next year I won’t get depressed.” Not going to happen without a plan. Everyone’s plan will be unique. It helps to gather information, to listen to what others are doing but in the end your plan will have to be yours.
Sometimes our plan emerges bit by bit.
It’s as if God decides to rain little drops of information onus until a plan comes together. Let me explain. My husband and I exercise regularly. We try to eat healthy but we both have a sweet tooth. Last night I grilled hamburgers accompanied by broccoli. So what’s the problem, you ask? Sometimes we find we don’t eat enough at meal times because we are concerned about our weight. Consequently, we end up snacking before bedtime.
The solution? Eat more.
So now I make sure our meals are more substantial. I add more side dishes to meals so we don’t get hungry later. Whoever though eating more could be the clue to weighing less? It’s not a new idea.
I already know how to cook healthier. I already know what healthy foods are and what they aren’t. I already know about portion control. Let’s face it. Most of us know this. It’s narrowing in on the specific individual issues that sabotage our individual plans, like snacking at night.
So this is how I’m beginning my month of planning my resolutions. I’m thinking through each big goal. I’m narrowing my focus. In case you’re wondering, my resolutions will revolve around healthy living (including mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health), as well as relationships, organization, and personal goals. I will be looking at what has worked for me in each of these areas and what hasn’t and then refining my plans.
It isn’t nearly as involved or complicated as it sounds and I’m smart enough to know that some areas are outside my control. That will mean I will need to adjust my reactions and responses to those situations. Deciding that ahead of time, will serve me well when the situation occurs. Forewarned is forearmed.
And even if I’m not successful in some areas, at least I will know I’ve examined my life. I know me. I know that once I make a plan, I will try my best to implement it. But if I have no plan I also know me well enough to know I will flounder.
How are you doing with thinking through your resolutions? Or are you? You don’t have to call them resolutions if that sounds doomed to failure. But it never hurts anyone to set aside a little time every day for a few weeks just to think through some things. What could it possibly hurt? And who knows, it might even help.
God bless and happy thinking.
