This time of year always feels like another New Year, an opportunity to clear the slate and begin anew. Maybe it’s because school starts in the fall and even if we graduated long ago it’s the calendar of our culture. Or, maybe it’s because plants are shedding their leaves (and acorns in my yard!) that we feel like shedding what no longer serves us. Both seem to fit.
Reflect on what you set out to achieve this year for your health and well-being. Then answer these three questions to finish the year with a focus on what matters most.
- “What could I start doing?” Do you need to improve your nutrition? Get better sleep? Reduce stress? Decide what’s most important right now and choose one small step to take in that direction. What one thing could you do that, over time, will add up to a big improvement? Last year I was waking up in the night with sore hip muscles so decided to start stretching every day. It takes a few minutes before bed and feels really good. Now, sore hips rarely wake me up. A small investment of my time for a big difference in how I feel.
- “What could I stop doing?” What do you do regularly that sabotages your efforts to lose weight or improve your health? What, if you stopped or did less of, would make the most improvement in your well-being? When I ask my clients this question some have answers like “drink less wine” or “watch less TV.” Can you relate? Choose one thing that if you stopped or lessened would move you closer to your health and weight loss goals in the next 82 days. Then, trade that habit or activity out for something awesome.
- “Where’s the fun?” Let me be honest. I don’t jump out of bed excited to go to the gym. I go because I’ve committed to exercise and I want the outcome. But being healthy and losing weight cannot be a drudgery if you are to succeed at your goals. Are you having fun in the process? If so, how can you have more? If not, what do you need to start/stop in order to have fun? Decide and take action.
Just imagine what you can do in 82 days! Reduce pain, have more energy, lose a few pounds…anything is possible. Remember: small steps can bring big results.
Decide on your step and please share your plan with me below.
Happy “New Year!”
