A different kind of resolution... 

2017.

A new year, a fresh start, a do over. After sleeping off the late night hangover and stumbling into the kitchen for a cup of coffee, we have flashbacks of the night before.  

My boyfriend and I had a house party with friends, we ate good food, played Catch Phrase, the ball dropped, we kissed and I thought, “this is gonna be a BIG year.” It was great. But the party is over and the dirty dishes are in the sink.  I will get around to writing my hopes and dreams for the new year, after the house is clean, ok and a maybe a movie and a 3 hour nap. Can you relate?

As modern day humans we already have SO much on our plate, and the thought of adding more goals can be just as exciting as it is overwhelming. I hope this post  helps you get a little more clear on your resolutions and why you should, no need – to make them a priority.

As a dietitian and health coach, clients and friends tell me their goal is to lose X number of pounds, or to fit in a size X before summer. Ok, that’s valid, but, aiming to become a healthier version of yourself will require you to dig a little deeper. Instead of focusing so heavily on the gravitational pull you have on Earth (or pounds on the scale) put your energy into the behavior changes that will help you get there. This way of thinking shifts the focus, and allows weight loss to be the byproduct of your other goals.

So why do you want to lose X pounds? Please don’t say ‘to be healthier,’ this is the most vague and lame response imaginable. You are not vague or lame, don’t make you why either. It may be a step in the right direction, but let’s face it, it’s not going to get you out of bed 30 minutes earlier to fit in a morning workout!

What will you have in your life that you don’t currently have right now at a lower body weight? Are you dying to have more energy? Trying to lower your cholesterol or blood sugars? Feel fewer aches and pains?

Suddenly the goals morph into things like:

  1. Fit in 4, 30-45 minute workouts each week

  2. Get  4-6 servings of veggies everyday

  3. Go to bed by 10PM

These are SMART goals:

  • Specific

  • Measurable

  • Achievable

  • Relevant

  • Timely

Could your 2017 resolutions get a little SMART-er?

The clearer you are about your goals, they clearer the path becomes for how you will get there.