Are you one of the 85% of Americans who has made a New Year’s Resolution?

Have you kept it? 

Most people will not keep their New Year’s Resolutions past January.

How can you increase your chances for permanent positive change?

Here are some good tips:

1.  Examine your motivation for change.  Why do you want to eat better/less/more vegetables?  Do you just want to fit into those jeans or a May wedding dress?  If you are willing to accept that something like better nutrition or exercise can’t be based solely on an outcome you are more likely to be successful.

2.  Focus on the behavior change more than the goal.  What is required to help you eat better or get more exercise or to stop smoking?  By focusing on portion control, reducing your sugar intake, walking or going to the gym 30 minutes three times a week or talking to your doctor about smoking cessation aids, you empower yourself and increase your chances for long term success.

3.  Allow for imperfection.  I don’t know anyone, even the most motivated of my friends and colleagues, who is perfect 100% of the time.  Uncontrollable circumstances, the weather, a sick child, your own sickness or just a bad day can throw off the best laid plans.  Do yourself a favor and don’t worry about the one, two or ten times you get derailed from your goals.  Tomorrow is a brand new day and a brand new beginning.

Warmly,

Dr. Michelle Mudge-Riley