So, here we are at the start of yet another new year, and if you’re like most people you have your long list of resolutions at the ready. But also, like most people, by the end of January you have either failed at most of them, or given up entirely. The reasons for this are pretty clear; you are too busy, they are too hard or a combination of both. The first month of the new year is not even over, and you are already making your excuses to Santa about why you broke your promises.

Short term plans, like resolutions, never work because they rely upon you changing huge things about your personality and/or life routine, on a dime. That isn’t the way the human brain works. It takes time and effort to develop new habits, and patiences is a key component.

We don’t believe in New Years Resolutions, but we do understand how the concept of turning over a new leaf for a new year can be a great motivator, but let’s start with some achievable healthcare basics to get the ball rolling.

Make a plan

As simple, and basic as this may seem, many people just jump into the new activity without taking time to make a realistic plan. When we fail to plan, we plan to fail. Take a few moments to look at your real life.

  • What are your working hours and relationship/family responsibilities?
  • How much time can you actually devote to making these changes?
  • How much money will this cost?
  • How long will it take for you to achieve the desired goals?

Set realistic goals

If going to the gym to lose/gain weight is one of your goals, think about how realistic your goals are. Most people cannot gain or lose 100 lbs in a month in a healthy fashion. They also are not willing to work out 6 or 7 days a week. All of this might seem doable, until you have to do it. If you work a basic 40 hour a week schedule, you need to think about when and for how long your work-outs can be. This is the same for any other physical long term goal like running a marathon or swimming more.

Realism is where most goals fail. We have big dreams in the beginning but the reality of our lives and the efforts it will require come crashing in on us very quickly.

Ask for help

From work-out partners to diet coachers, there are lots of people that can assist you in your new healthcare goals. But even friends and family can be a great support in helping you stay on track. Of course, we must take care to not bring in negative influences who will work against you and your goals but even one person on your side can make the difference in assisting you in making your goals a reality.

Sometimes, you get what you pay for

From personal trainers to nutritionists, the help we need might come with a price tag. If you have tried and failed numerous times in the past to get a handle on your health, it might be time to seek professional help. These are licensed and trained individuals who’s sole job is to help people like you, get on track, and stay on track.

Forgiveness

When making any new and large changes to our lives, personal forgiveness is key. We will have good days and bad days. Sometimes we will cheat on our diet, skip the gym or whatever, but this does not mean that we are failures, it means that we are human. Each and every day is an opportunity to start again. Get back up, brush yourself off, and get back on that horse. Just like it took years or even decades to gain the weight or bad habits, it will take time to drop it. Be good and kind to yourself and provide yourself with all of the proper tools you need to succeed. This is about long term goals, not short term pleasure.

The little things

And finally, don’t forget to celebrate your small accomplishments. These are the motivators that will keep you going. A few pounds here and there, a full month at the gym, hitting the 5 mile mark, whatever your long term goals are, you will have short term markers that you meet along the way. This is a good thing. Celebrate the small wins, on your way to the huge victories. You can do this!

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