New Year's Resolutions - Do they Work?

As I reflect on 2008 in my personal life I would have to say that "Yes, New Year's Resolutions do work." Then how come so many people fail within weeks of making them?

Here is my list of why my New Year's Resolutions worked for me.

1) I first defined what my resolutions were - were they realistic?
2) Where do I need to make changes.
3) What steps do I need to take to make it happen and am I committed to the plan.
4) Am I psychologically ready to make the changes necessary to make it happen.
5) What kind of accountability do I have to keep me on track.
6) Finally, when I fall down, do I get back up.

Now, let me get personal. I know many of you know that I lost 35 pounds in the year 2000. That was very rewarding for me. In fact, I kept it off for 6 years. But I started to slip in 2007. Rick and I were in transition with new jobs, moving to South Carolina and still having a home in Nebraska. Even though I continued to work out on a regular basis the pounds started to come back.

Panic began to settle in. How can this be? I work out all the time and I really don't eat that bad! Well, last January 1st I made two New Year's Resolutions: First, to give up Diet Pepsi during the week and carry my water bottle with me everywhere I went. Secondly, to eat 500 less calories each day - specifically at night. I was able to identify that my weakness was night time eating. I worked out at night and I found myself starving by the time I got home so I would overeat as a result. Dah - guess what? That food didn't get a chance to burn off so it pretty much went to stored fat while I slept!!!

For me, it was about being consistent everyday. It actually was easier than I thought it would be. It only took a week for me to love water and not so much Diet Pepsi and with the help of drinking a protein shake before I left the gym at night, it satisfied me so by the time I got home I wasn't hungry any more. Then when I started to see success and the weight come off, it was easier to go to the grocery store; so when I was tempted, I remember saying, "It's not worth the cost." I am proud to say I lost 20 pounds in 2008!

To summarize, I think resolutions do work but you need to figure out where your weaknesses are and find solutions for them. I want you to be thinking of your 2009 New Year's Resolutions; and if you're ready, you will see success so - Happy New Year! - let me know how we can help.