I think part of the reason so many resolutions are dropped before they become a reality is that we don't put enough time into thinking about our goals and structuring them in a way that sets us up for success.
We need success---even little successes along the way to the overall goal---to keep us motivated, and heading in the right direction.
Be strong and succeed with this kind of thinking when setting your goals:
Make it Specific - define your goal with as much detail as possible. For example, instead of thinking "I'd like to lose weight", think "I will lose 25 pounds this year, and I will do it by losing half a pound to 2 pounds each week." You can break that down even more by saying, "To lose half a pound to 2 pounds a week, I'm going to be more consistent with drinking enough water every day." And, then add on supporting goals, like, "To lose half a pound to 2 pounds a week, I'm going to make time on Sunday nights to plan my meals for the week, " or, "To lose half a pound to 2 pounds a week, I'm going to add one more workout per week to my schedule."
Make it Measurable - How will you know how much progress you've made? Have you stepped on that scale? Have you taken and recorded your body measurements? Do you know how long you are able to exercise before you start to lose intensity? Create a "Check-in" routine for yourself to regularly monitor how you're doing. Weigh yourself once a week, for example, or increase the length of your more intense exercise by 5 minutes every week. Being able to clearly see your progress is fantastic motivation!
Make it Real - We are a quick fix society...used to pressing buttons and having things happen. Weight loss and fitness goals can take time to achieve. Realize that. Expect that. Trying to do too much too fast is not healthy, and most often leads to disappointment.
Make it Fit - Professional organizers analyze the paths and patterns of a home, and often suggest systems to help within those patterns. They might have you put a basket by the door you most often enter and leave your home, where you can drop your keys and any other items you always take with you, for example. Increase your chances of sticking with a plan by making it work in your schedule. Are you an early riser, and have more energy in the morning? Take a class or get out for a walk in the morning, instead of fighting with yourself to make that evening session.
Make it Pay-Off - Celebrate your success, and power up for more, by rewarding yourself for reaching milestones along the way to your goal. Maybe it's a new workout outfit, a massage, or a new recipe book you've been wanting to try. Taking the time to acknowledge your hard work is important fuel to help you stay on track.
I'm looking forward to being beside you on the journey to your healthy goals this year!
j.