Another New Year is upon us…and many new resolutions.  And then again, they may just be old resolutions that never got carried out from last year, or just have a new twist to them.  The beginning of a new year often finds us reminiscing on what could or should have been.  We look at our life and wish for something a little better, and then we make plans to make it happen.

Without a plan, those resolutions will once again go by the wayside without seeing the reality of them.  I know that’s not what any of you want for this year.  2009 was a tough year for many with the economy in a slump.  Many had reasons to be down, but attitude is so important and only you can make that change!  Situations will always be changing, but they don’t dictate our attitude, only you alone decide that. 

As you ponder your resolutions, think of these guidelines.  I have specifically focused on weight loss because it is the most popular resolution, but the same principles works for other areas too.

Be Realistic.  Don’t decide to take off #20 by the end of January!  That resolution is absurd and not healthy.  You will only set yourself up for failure!  Think about where you feel the best weight for you is and look to that goal.  Yes, we all want more of everything, but what is realistic for where you want to put your attention?

Be Specific & measurable.  When is a reasonable time to get that weight off?  Set a date and exactly what you want to weight at each markers set-up along the way to gauge yourself.

Anticipate the Roadblocks.  What are some reasons that might keep you from reaching that weight-loss goal?

1.        Do I have a support system?

2.       Will my family join me, or do I need to eat something different from them?

3.       Is my liver congested and therefore not able to let my body lose weight?

Have a plan.  What are the steps you need to take to reach your goal weight?  If you don’t have a plan, doing what you did last year will only yield the same results!  Evaluate what it is you need to do to lose weight.  Is it in what you are eating, the exercise, maybe you need to do a body cleanse to get your body to give up fat.  Write your plan out specifically in detail keeping in account the roadblocks that may come:

1.       Exercise M-W-F from 7-7:30 AM, doing whatever specific kind you choose.  

2.       I will do a full body cleanse the second week of January

3.       I will pack my lunch every day so I’m not tempted to out.

4.       I will no longer keep non-nutritious foods like diet soda, cookies, candy, cakes and other fattening snacks in my home.

5.       I will keep my refrigerator well-stocked with plenty of raw fruits and vegetables and I will eat some every single day.

6.       Before I consume anything, I will always ask myself this question, “Does this food help build my body stronger or does it pollute it?”

Constantly Refer to Your Goals.  Keep your goals in a place where you can see them many times a day.  Believe they are worthwhile.  This will keep you focused and make it easier to stick to your plan. 

Have Rewards.  At all those markers from the above specific time line or maybe pound amount loss.  Decide what you would look at as a goal for you to enjoy.  It may be a movie, time to read a book, maybe even a splurge sundae!  Whatever it is, look forward to it and only have it when you have reached the mile markers you set up.  One thing I’ve heard of is putting a dollar in a cup each day you do your plan and take out one when you don’t.  Use the money at certain goal markers to celebrate.

Now is the time to think once again about your New Year’s Resolutions.  Write out the above steps and really think about the best way to make this year successful!  I’m sure your goals are worth the effort they will take.  You’ll be happy and your family and friends will be proud of your accomplishments too.  May 2010 be a year of great wealth in the areas of life that really matter; health, family, friends, emotional & spiritual well-being, time and enough money to do what you need and give lots away!