Life Change or Short Term Resolutions

Often the motivation we need to keep our New Year's Resolutions is to see where they fit in the grand scheme of our long-term life goals. But the first step is to examine precisely what our long-term goals are. Whether you want to travel the world, or become a multi-millionaire by the age of 50, it's important to choose goals that you really want to achieve and are both realistic and specific.

Baby steps

Let's say you want to lose 20 pounds before your high school reunion next summer. The first step is to focus on short-term goals that will make the larger goal more attainable, like eating 100 fewer calories per day. Once you find you've achieved one goal, gradually add another, like walking an extra half mile each week. Keep these short-term goals small and manageable, and that will make them easier to accomplish. If you find yourself losing patience or not being able to reach these short-term goals, make them smaller and smaller until they seem more possible for you to do.

Write it down

Writing things down helps make things happen. Using the above weight loss goal example, you could keep track of your progress by writing in a food and activity journal or app, remembering to focus on your motivation. Be sure to note improvements in your breathing, energy, stress levels, mood, etc., and celebrate these victories.

Most importantly, when working on any long-term life changes, always approach life one day at a time. What can you do today that could help you reach your long-term goal?