Jan 01, 2022 by Sherra Aguirre, in Food and Health

Many of us are making resolutions for the new year, and surveys find that the majority of us have a health goal we would like to achieve. Research also shows that eighty percent of those who set goals at the beginning of the year give up by February, and about twenty-five percent give up in seven days! Although we laugh at making resolutions that we usually don’t keep, here are some tips to boost your chances of achieving your goals.

1. Focus on one or two specific goals that are challenging but achievable.

The first mistake we often make is setting too many goals. Successful change requires focus, and it can be overwhelming to try and make too many changes at once. If you want to eat healthier, for example, take one specific step at a time. So instead of saying you will eat more vegetables, cut out fried foods and eliminate refined sugar, pick one of those changes to start.  Once you have successfully achieved that first step, maintain the new habit while tackling the next.

2. Write down your goals and the steps you will take. Just doing this will make you 42% more likely to succeed.

Most of us think about positive changes we want to make but don’t take the time to write them down, along with the specific things we will do to achieve them. Writing your intentions may seem like a small thing, but it helps us focus and to be specific about the actions we will need to take. Some people find it very powerful to put their written goal in a place where it can be seen each day as a frequent reminder and source of motivation.

3. Visualize your success.

Picturing yourself having accomplished your goal is another very powerful motivator for change, and the more detail you include the better! If your desire is to get stronger and more physically fit, imagine how you will look and feel once you are in better shape or when you have the energy to swim laps, play a favorite sport, go for a 45-minute walk, or just play around with your kids.

4. Share your goal with someone who will encourage and support you.

Having someone in your corner who you trust to support you through the ups and downs of making a life change can make a huge difference. This can be a friend, family member, or spouse who has demonstrated having your best interests at heart. It can make all the difference when you hit a roadblock or need encouragement.

5. Find and spend time with others who are making similar healthy lifestyle changes.

Being in the company of people who are also committed to improving their own health will reinforce your decision to do so. If you are changing to a healthier diet, for example, having friends who will be eager to join you for lunch, share recipes, or suggest a new healthy restaurant will be helpful. You will learn from and encourage each other.

6. Celebrate your gains along the way.

We often forget this important motivator! Patting ourselves on the back is one of the satisfactions of setting smaller milestones toward our big goal. It’s even more meaningful when the reward is related to the goal, like getting new pair of gym shoes when we get into the routine of a minimum number of workouts per week.

Follow these tips to put yourself in the best position to make your fresh start in the new year a success. And remember that learning how to plan and follow through on any goal is a habit in itself that will help you find success in all areas of your life. Best wishes for a healthy, happy 2022!

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