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Don?t Wait for New Years to Make Resolutions

 

 

After four months have past and the stress of new year resolution is over it is time for you to reflect on your life.

Most people want to change some aspects of their lives, but they do not have a plan of how to implement that change. If you ask some people, the following questions they will answer yes to most of them.

  1. Do you want to lose weight?

  2. Do you want to be debt-free?

  3. Do you want more money in your account?

  4. Do you want to be happier this year?

  5. Do you want your partner to treat you better?

  6. Do you want to be in the perfect relationship this year?

  7. Do you want to be healthier?

  8. Do you want to be treated with love and compassion?

  9. Do you want to quit smoking or drinking?

  10. And the list goes on and on.

 

The problem is not the questions, it is with the answers, how can we make the yeses a reality. How can we set goals that can be achieved? Most people really want to change but they are not consistent in striving for the goals.

 

Making Attainable Resolutions

  1. Always start from where you at- your present situation

  2. Write down what is the first goal that you want to accomplish

  3. Work on that goal first

  4. Set short meaningful goals and timelines

  5. Your goal must be simple, and attainable.

  6. Complete one goal then try another ? you have 12 months to accomplish your goal. If you want to lose weight take your time. If you take 10 years to store the fat, then 12 months is not a long time to create and sustain good healthy habits.

  7. Keep a journal of your journey

  8. Don?t blame yourself if you have setbacks

  9. Talk with a friend for accountability, they will hold your hand when you fall.

  10. Don?t be too hard on yourself

Remember that you only have a short time to make and create the life you want. You may seek help from professionals to help you get started. You can live your best life if you take control of whatever is controlling you.

 

 

Reducing Debts & Saving Money

 

The first question to ask is: Where can I reduce my spending?

Here is a sample of a simple goal to pay off a debt

Mrs. X is in debt of $30,00 she wants to be debt-free this year. She is employed and she has three or four cups of coffee a day, she uses Skip the Dishes a few times a month, she goes shopping without a list and she shops on the internet regularly. She is wondering where her money is going each month.

Goal: I want to pay off my credit card debts by the end of the year.

How: I will reduce my spending, save more money, make a list when I am going shopping and do not buy anything that is not on my list. Plan all my meals for the week, make a list then shop for the things that I want. Reduce my coffee to one to two cups and save the money. Use Skip the Dishes once a month and cook more meals at home. Only shop online for the things that I need and is part of my list. Use a flyer app and compare prices to make sure that you are getting a deal.

Make a budget : Create a budget and track all monies coming in and going out of your account. Even if it is a $1.00 item at the dollar store.

Payment: Start with $50.00 extra a month on the bills and any extra money saved will go directly on the credit card.

Saving: you can have a jar and put any extra change from your purse/pocket in the jar.

Have $10.00 every week go directly from your checking account to your savings.

Review this every month and see if it is working or what needs to change.

Before you make your goals look at your situation and be honest with yourself. Make a plan and stick to it.

 

Weight Loss Goal

 

Here is a  sample of a simple goal to lose weight and have a healthier lifestyle

Mr.  J has always been overweight, and he was not bothered by it because he is married to a beautiful woman, he has three children and lots of friends and relatives. He loves to entertain, and this always involves heavy drinking and lots of food. In December he went to his doctor for a check-up and he was given the bad news about his health. He has a serious problem that is caused by his obesity. He must lose weight. How should he start?

Making a lifestyle change may affect you and the relationship you have with your friends and family. If you love to drink and entertain you might have to make changes that your friends and relatives may not like. You must think of the benefits to you and your family and if your friends really care about you, they will understand what you are doing. There are always alternatives or reductions in drinking and eating.

 

  1. Start by looking at your diet

  2. Get someone to help ? dietitian

  3. Look at the food in your kitchen

  4. Make a list of things that you like and dislike

  5. What are the fat and sugar contents? Look for alternatives

  6. Learn about healthy eating

  7. Let the family be involved

  8. Get more exercise ? start with basic activities such as walking, biking, using the stairs, swimming, etc.

  9. Make a food journal

  10. Track calories ? if you want ? this can be lots of work.

  11. Always make a shopping list before you go shopping

  12. Plan your meals every week

  13. Get a buddy to exercise with

  14. Go to the gym if you have the money

  15. Buy a used exercise bike and put it Infront of the tv

  16. Cook meals at home

  17. Reduce alcoholic drinks

  18. During parties and family gathering, pace your drinking and use water between drinks

  19. Add more fruits and vegetables on your plate

  20. Reduce your intake of meats

  21. Weigh yourself every week and keep a log of all the changes

  22. Take a picture of yourself on the day you start and every three months

  23. Don?t look for quick fixes or diets ? eat things that you enjoy eating but limit the quantity and how often you eat them. For example, if you love bacon, you can have a slice every second day or on the weekend, but not six slices at breakfast.

  24. Moderation and control are the keys to being successful with anything.

Celebrate success. You can go out for dinner and make healthy choices. Most restaurants cater to healthy eating.