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Most of us have set New Year's resolutions for ourselves in the past and had the experience of not sticking with them. Think of your New Year's resolutions as being your project for the year. They are more than some random decision made as the clock strikes 12. So let's apply some simple project management rules to help you stick to your resolutions. |
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Measurable Instead of I want to lose weight, set a goal like I want to lose 15 kg so I can achieve my goal weight of 85 kg. Achievable Do you have the skills and resources needed to complete the goal? If you want to enter an organised cycle ride in the future do you have a bike to train for the ride? Can you ride during daylight hours? Is your goal practical? Does it fit in with your lifestyle and your family? Realistic Don't rush it. Give yourself time. Changes won't happen over night? Timebound Make sure your goal has a deadline and that you have set dates for individual steps within your main goal. For example, I'll be able to walk to the local shops and back by March. |
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Work out what equipment and resources you need to meet your goal. For example, if you plan to eat healthier clean all the naughty foods out of your fridge and pantry and fill them with healthy options. |
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By walking regularly they prepared their muscles and tendons for running, and started an exercise habit. Then by adding 15 seconds of light jogging into their walks here and there, they worked up to a point where they could walk and jog for a few minutes alternately. Eventually, they could go out and jog for 15 or 20 minutes. Next thing, they were lining up for their first fun run. Often it took months, but by setting small achievable targets, these people were always focused on a goal, and were rewarded when they reached it.
Small steps to . . . Healthy eating Switch from full-cream milk to reduced-fat or skim milk. After a couple of weeks you probably won't miss the taste and you've made a sustainable change to your diet. Now you can move onto making other healthy changes. Getting fit Make a commitment to go to one exercise class a week. Once you find that you enjoy the class, and that its not too intimidating, and that you have the best nights sleep afterwards, youll soon be disappointed if you cant go. Resolve to walk some of the flights of stairs to your office, instead of taking the lift every day. Or take the stairs when theres an option, such as in your local shopping centre. At first you may huff and puff your way up there, but youll soon get stronger. Quit Smoking Speak to your Pharmacist or the Quit line about what resources are available to help you quit smoking. |
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You've probably seen people try and quit smoking, lose weight and get fit all at once ... and fail. Far better to start exercising your willpower in the way that you would start exercising your muscles carefully and with small challenges that way you can gradually develop inner strength. |
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Make a note of the things that work for you to make it easier for your to achieve your goals. Psychologists have shown that keeping a record can aid compliance in many tasks, such as weight loss or fitness goals. Take time to review your goals and adjust them if necessary as you go. Make sure to reward yourself with something healthy when you achieve your mini goals. |
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Find a workout mate or a buddy to quit smoking or lose weight with. You're more likely to keep a workout date if you're doing the activity with a friend, or you're a member of a club. Website bulletin boards can be a useful way of meeting someone with the same goal, who you can swap encouragement and tips with. Many quit smoking websites offer programs with regular email newsletters or SMS inspirational messages to help keep you on track.
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Benefits of getting help to quit smoking and weight loss help from your local pharmacy The major benefits of getting weight loss help from your local pharmacy include:
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Write in your diary or on a wall planner what actions you will be taking each day to help reach your goals. This is a great reminder and it then becomes part of your daily life.
Taking baby steps like this and setting smaller goals is a good way to move towards a big goal. 
Some experts believe that we shouldn't overwhelm yourself and push yourself too hard by attempting to make too many lifestyle changes at once. 
Keep a diary or a log of your progress it will serve as a reminder of how far you've come and give you encouragement if you're feeling disheartened. 
For weight loss, there are many online programs, and also clubs that meet in person, that provide support and inspiration to help ease your journey towards your goal. Many of the weight loss programs run by Pharmacists involve support and guidance as part of them. If you would like any advice on how to Stick to Your Guns when it comes to lifestyle changes, visit your Pharmacy today
