Healthy Resolutions: This Year Will Be Your Year

Each New Year, about half of us make a resolution and after the first week, about 25% of resolution makers abandon their resolution.

What’s the excuse?

Not a good time.

Too busy.

I can’t do it.

I should like myself as is.

It’s too expensive to change.

I’m tired.

Sound familiar?

Maybe your excuses have been the same.

Rather than having another year that feels unsuccessful and full of guilt, reconsider your resolutions.

If you want to become a healthier person, that’s a completely attainable goal, but reflect on how you approached that goal in previous years and do something different this year.

Becoming a Healthier You and Sticking To It

Better health is one of the biggest and also one of the hardest resolutions made each New Year.

Becoming healthier should be and can be attempted at any time of year and often times, many of us “reset” every couple of months.

It’s important to make your health a priority and keep trying, you’ll get there.

Start with Small Goals

If you want to become healthier and want it to stick, experts suggest making small realistic goals rather than a bunch at one time.

If you want to quit smoking, quit drinking, lose 25 pounds, and exercise every day, you’ll burn out pretty fast.

If you can successfully make these changes and stick to them, good for you, but it’s a lot to take on and once.

For instance, successfully quitting smoking is a huge deal that can be a stressful journey.

Let yourself focus on that one “big goal” and allow yourself to tackle it before taking something else on.

Exercise is often suggested when trying to quit; take it slow and be realistic.

Be OK with “Messing Up”

When you try to make a change in your life, it’s likely that you’ll mess up at least once.

It’s not negative, it’s just a reality.

How you choose to deal with it will pave the way for your healthy future.

Allow yourself to make mistakes and allow yourself to start over the next day.

The unsuccessful people want results immediately, get upset, and give up.

Changing habits is extremely difficult and will take time; make time and be kind to yourself and you’ll do better this year.

Take Control of Your Own Health

Many people make excuses as to why they don’t go to the doctor and it’s understandable.

If you have had a bad experience even once, it can sour your future experiences.

For instance, if you received subpar medical care that resulted in a delayed medical diagnosis or even an injury, it’s natural to have little trust for the medical community.

If you choose to keep your distance from doctors, make sure you pay close attention to your own health and keep track of any changes through self-examinations (such as breast, skin check, or prostate).

Once you notice a change, however, it’s time to find a medical professional you can trust as you should never delay on a potentially serious and even life threatening health issue.

Be Kind, Be Confident

Finally, if you really want to succeed this year and stick to a health resolution, be kind to yourself and find confidence.

Remember, it takes a long time to drop a significant amount of weight or kick a bad habit.

Celebrate the days you succeed and be proud of the progress you’ve made.