As 2018 closes and you prepare for 2019, you’re probably like the other 99 percent of us who are thinking about the New Year and what resolutions and goals you didn’t achieve in 2018 but are determined to achieve in 2019.
Before we tackle 2019, let’s take a moment to CELEBRATE! What accomplishments and milestones did you achieve in 2018?
A year is a long time to reflect on the positive things that occurred — I’ve found myself keeping a list in my journal as accomplishments and milestones happen, so when I need a positive boost, I have just the place to look.
Now that we’ve celebrated, let’s go back to looking forward to the upcoming year. A New Year brings a sense of excitement and energy for what’s to come.
Did you know that 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February? Year after year, eating healthier and exercising more are the most popular resolutions people make and 2019 will be no different. Let’s review a few key strategies toward being the successful 20 percent:
- Be realistic and keep it simple. Identify an achievable goal by being specific. Rather than stating “I want to lose weight,” state your goal is to “consume foods that fit in one of the five food groups.”
- Moderation not restriction. The moment you state you will avoid something; your intuition immediately wants it more. Allow yourself a treat every now and then to encourage long-term success.
- Find an accountability buddy, technology, journal or class to support achieving your goal(s).
- Make it FUN. Research shows when you enjoy something, you are 10 times more likely to continue.
I hope you’ll take some time this month to celebrate your 2018 accomplishments and focus on the realistic positive changes you hope to accomplish in 2019!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Together we continue to build a healthy, high-achieving generation of youth!
Written by Jaclyn St. John, a registered dietitian, mom and lover of all things family, food, fitness and fun. She writes on behalf of Dairy West, farm families in Idaho and Utah. If you have questions or comments, please contact her at [email protected]
