New
Years Weight Control Resolutions!
New
Years Again! Time for those New Years Weight Control
Resolutions!
For so many of us, the new year triggers
thoughts of renewal, opportunities for new beginnings, and as the
gyms advertise, A WHOLE NEW YOU! And for some, the idea of New
Years Resolutions elicits insecurity.
I’ve noticed that
people have become accustomed to hearing that diets do not work,
that New Years Resolutions do not last, and they’ve become
apathetic and even cynical.
So let’s take a look at New
Years Resolutions.
OK, I’ll admit it, it’s not uncommon
for even the most well intended New Years Resolution to become a
distant memory by Valentine’s Day. In fact, I recently read some
research noting that 54% of people keep their resolutions for
fewer than 6 months.
Since this is The Positive
Planner, I want to share what those numbers mean to me. They
tell me that 46% are still at it 6 months after starting. That’s
pretty impressive! And I’ve seen enough people make lasting
changes to know that with the right tools, resolutions can lead to
long term solutions.
This month I’m offering some advice
that can help tip the scales in your favor.
Ten
Tips for Long Term Success
A GIFT TO YOURSELFDon’t plan on doing it for
someone else; you need to be clear about the personal benefits of
managing your weight. So ask yourself, “Why is losing weight a
favor to my future?”
VISUAL REMINDERS Write down why keeping
your resolution is important and leave reminders all around – in
your wallet, on your screensaver, in the fridge, etc. Check out
the side bar for ideas on how to write out your
resolution.
TOO MUCH, TOO FAST, TOO BAD IT WON’T LAST
Be realistic, you won’t lose 40 pounds this month. But
you can lose it by summer and keep it off. Remember: lose it fast,
it won’t last.
DO ONE THING DIFFERENT Set a very small
goal for yourself daily. For example, “Today I’ll drink 2% instead
of whole milk”. Small steps won’t overwhelm you and can add up to
big successes.
NOURISH YOUR SOUL Forget the food; be
generous with nourishment for your soul; a relaxing bath, shopping
trip, or chat with an old friend. Spend time identifying what else
gives you pleasure besides food.
BUSY? TRY A FITNESS FLASH Any movement is
better than no movement. Set up mini workouts that are the length
of a favorite song or a TV commercial. Fit in a bunch throughout
the course of your day.
TAKE CHANCES No system suits everybody;
but everybody can find their own best system. Don’t buy into
inflexible programs. Long-term successful dieters usually designed
their own system.
SNAP OUT OF IT! Most overeating is done on
autopilot, while watching TV or reading the mail. Change your
pattern. Read your mail in the bathroom or use your hands for a
craft while you watch TV.
THIS IS NOT YOUR LAST MEAL Before you
order the chowder, pasta and cheesecake, remind yourself that you
don’t have to eat everything tonight; you will get to eat again
very soon.
DON’T GO IT ALONE Enlist the support of a
friend, family member or professional to provide you with the
support and accountability you need to keep you on
track.
Heard
it all before?
One
of the greatest challenges I face in helping people create the
lives they want to lead is dealing with "I know that already."
You probably have heard most or maybe even all of what I’m
writing here and that's fine with me. One of my favorite quotes is
a Woody Guthrie one that goes like this, “Let me be just the guy
(in my case, woman) who told you something you already
knew.” This is a great time to reinforce the notion that
there’s a huge difference between “knowing” and “doing”. Knowing
without doing can yield helplessness, apathy, and can seriously
impair motivation and confidence. Doing, however, can promote a
cycle of mastery, control, well being, and increased motivation
and confidence. Especially when you do something that’s
challenging. So, to borrow from the sneaker people, “Just
Do It!” One thing I can promise is that you’ll greatly improve
your chances of success by doing something instead of
nothing!
If you know someone who you think would enjoy The Positive
Planner, please feel free to forward this email. If you have
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Why
Weight?
In
this issue, I’m writing about weight control because it’s a topic
that’s near and dear to me, and it happens to be the most common
new years resolution. But, of course, it’s not the only resolution
you can make. People resolve to quit smoking and to make all kinds
of other changes related to their health, performance, and
approach to life. I’m focusing on weight control here, but I’m
confident that with the right strategies, you can work effectively
toward any commitment you make. Because a good New Years
Resolution is exactly that:
a commitment to yourself!
Why wait?
You can begin strengthening your commitment
today.
Strengthen
Your Commitment to Your Resolution
Don’t
keep your resolutions inside your head. You increase your chances
of successfully meeting your commitments when you write them down.
Make sure that you use the present tense and positive language,
that is, what you intend to do rather than what you don’t want.
Also, be sure to include the reasons why your resolution is
important to you.
A powerful statement of a resolution
might be: “I am committed to exercising daily and eating
healthfully because I feel stronger and more assured when I do so,
and I reinforce my commitment with my choices everyday.”
Here’s a less powerful resolution: “I'm going on a diet
and will never eat pie again.” (Wow! I don’t even like pie and
that one makes me feel deprived. Where’s Mrs. Smith?)
You’ll know you have found the right language when your
commitment actually excites you and feels “real” to you. When your
resolutions are written in positive, present language and
connected with what’s important to you, you will find them
powerful, energizing, and conducive to effective action
planning.
Positive
Plan
Updates and Offers!
To
learn more about the services I offer:Visit my website
www.positiveplan.com.
From my homepage, you can download The 2004 Positive Planner
Calendar , a one page calendar with room to list your goals
and commitments. You can also purchase books and learn about the
variety of services I offer. Click
here to learn about The Weight Control Recipe for Success
, an evidence based approach to long-term weight
management. For the entire month of January, I'm
offering 50% off the first month of Positive Plan services to help
jumpstart your journey from resolution to solution! In person and
phone services qualify.
Call 518-478-0093 or email Michelle@PositivePlan.com
for details!COMING SOON!In
early 2004, I will be expanding my bookstore to include not only
books to support and promote your progress and success, but also a
variety of related items including videos, music, and self-care
products. If there’s anything you’d like to see me carry, email me and let me
know. I’m committed to offering you just about everything you need
to support your success. HAPPY NEW
YEAR!
Michelle |
