How to keep your New Year’s Resolutions

new year resolutions - 365 new days, 365 new chances

For most of us, the beginning of a new year is a time to contemplate about the past and the future. It is a time to think about what we want out of life and how to turn our dreams into reality. New Year’s resolutions are a great way to set your dreams in motion, provided you stay on track and stay motivated. And yet, over 80% of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned, a large portion of them in the month of January.

Is your New Year’s resolution to lose weight this year? If you’re like many Americans, you have decided that this is the year to get fit and in shape. If you’re looking for a more structured and effective way to meet your personal goals, then we have a great program for you. We offer a weight loss program in Burbank and a wellness center in Valencia to help you reach your weight loss goals and get healthy. We have worked with several clients helping them reach their goals and in the last two years our clinics have accumulated a total combined weight loss of nearly 9,000 pounds.

The following are some helpful tips on how to get everything you deserve this year:

1. Think About What Makes You Happy

In order to set goals for yourself, it is important to think about what you really want out of life. One way to do this is to make a list of all the things that make you truly happy, the things that energize you and the things that inspire you. Once you identify the things that you truly want in life, then you can come up with an action plan for how to get those things.

2. Set Realistic Goals

One of the biggest mistakes people make when setting goals is to aim for the impossible. Sure, you may want to be a millionaire by the time the year is out, but what are the chances that this will actually happen? Be honest with yourself, and set your goals accordingly. If your goals are realistic, you will have a much better chance of achieving them. Set realistic short-term and long-term goals.

3. Set specific goals

Be clear and concise about what you want and the steps you need to take to get there. For example, instead of saying ‘I want to read more’, try to set a more specific goal such as, ‘Read three new books a month’. If your New Year’s resolutions include a career change, take action and view the latest job openings in Los Angeles, as an example of taking a step toward a specific goal.

4. Write it Down and Stick to it

Just the simple act of putting your goals on paper can make them seem that much more real and motivate you to put your plan in action. Make a list of all the things you want to achieve in the next year, and put the list somewhere where you will see it every day. This will remind you to take action and help you stay on track.

5. Seek Support

Reaching for your dreams is an intensely personal quest, but that doesn’t mean that you have to go it totally alone. By telling others about your goals, you make yourself accountable for your actions and open up the door for others to give you a helping hand. Work with a wellness coach to stay accountable.

6. Think Positive

It is a proven fact that people respond better to a task if they think about the task in a positive light. Try to keep your thoughts about your goals light and cheerful. For example, instead of thinking ‘I HAVE to go to the gym today’, try framing it as ‘I’ll feel and look much better after a session at the gym today.

7. Track Your Progress

One great way to maintain your motivation and enthusiasm for your goals is to track your progress. Create a chart of your monthly goals, and check off all the tasks you achieve. Be sure to reward yourself when you reach your milestones.

8. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

Remember that if you stray from your resolutions or cannot keep up the momentum, it’s not the end of the world. Nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes from time to time. Also, if you find a resolution too challenging, you don’t have to stick with it. Either walk away from that particular challenge, or adjust your goal so that it is more manageable.

Get help with your New Year’s resolution today, and avoid becoming part of the 80% statistic!

About the author

Dr. Cynthia Thaik, M.D., FACC is a Harvard-trained cardiologist serving the greater Los Angeles community at her holistic health center in Burbank and Valencia, CA. Dr. Thaik is the author of Your Vibrant Heart: Restoring Health, Strength, and Spirit from the Body’s Core. To learn more about Dr. Thaik or the Holistic Healing Heart Center, or to schedule an appointment, please contact info@drcynthia.com or call (818) 842-1410.