Most Resolutions Are Too Vague to Be Sustainable

When you force yourself to engage in change, you are unlikely to stick with it. Simply stating your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight does not create a viable action plan. Enjoying less body fat, increased energy levels, and improved self-esteem are positive outcomes. Worry less about making soap-box statements about grandiose achievements and keep your intent real. Creating an action for the first few weeks of your weight loss journey will take a lot of the guesswork out launching a successful endeavor. Then, repeat the process to keep your resolution on track for the next few weeks. When you share your goals with the important people in your world, it is much easier to recruit supporters. In fact, when friends and family believe you are serious, they are more apt to keep you accountable by asking how you are doing.

• Unrealistic Weight Loss Goals - Never try to lose weight too fast. A gradual decrease in weight means the changes you’ve made to your diet are sustainable and the weight you lose is permanent.
• Resolution Too Vague - Take the time to correctly word your resolution to improve your chance of success. These are your life goals that should be perfected and personalized for your body’s unique chemistry.
• Lack of Planning - Unless you’ve been working out on a regular basis, do not start by focusing on high intensity interval training or joining the bandwagon for pumping iron. Start smart and you are likely to stick with it.
• Lack of Support - To build your support mechanism, share your resolution and weight loss goals with your family, friends, and co-workers.
• Lack of Motivation - If you lack motivation for your daily walk, go to the mall, park farther away and take a steady stroll window shopping, then reverse the process once you’re ready to leave.
• Slow to Recover from Setbacks - Unless you are quick to recover from a setback, one slip up like eating donuts at work can derail your New Year’s resolution. Always react to setbacks in a timely manner.

Some New Year’s resolutions should have never been made. Some people who feel like they should lose weight have an unrealistic view of what their healthy weight should be. Although a New Year’s resolution is a personal proclamation, weight loss goals have to focus on processes that lead to positive outcomes. Don’t just set a target. Address how you intend to hit your target. If you cannot measure a goal, it is difficult to determine how successful you’ve been at achieving that goal. So, make sure your weight loss goals have measurable timelines. Focus your attention on making healthy choices every day and give your efforts enough time. You should see progress on the scale and in how your clothes fit. Being mindful of what you eat and why you need to exercise is key to success.