Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  Wow, I knew I hadn't written in a while, but September? Really??? Well, I am very sorry. I guess the holidays and my sweet baby's face got the best of me. Maybe also the sleep deprivation (yes still) and the teething and the baby proofing. So I guess I have a lot to catch up on...

So many people make New Year's Resolutions and so many times we let them go.  Why??  Well, there are a number of reasons...

1. We try to change alone, in a vacuum where everything else pretty much stays the same.  No support. No changes to the routine to support the change.  If we truly wanted it and it was possible in the current situation, wouldn't we have done it before the New Year's resolution?
2. Our goals aren't aligned with what we truly desire.  So where's the motivation in that?
3. Our goals are unattainable.  We want to lose 30 lbs by Valentine's day...uh...that isn't healthy!
4. We don't know where to start. It feels so overwhelming, we give up and beat ourselves up over it.
5. The goal is superficial. Maybe your goal is only skin deep and doesn't address other major issues.  Losing weight when you have emotional eating issues, drinking less when maybe you have a drinking problem, quitting smoking when maybe you don't have other tools for stress management.

So maybe when you are in the midst of beating yourself up over "losing" your New Year's Resolution, take a moment and pause. 

1. Think about what you really want.  To lose weight? Mend relationships?  Stop a bad habit like getting too drunk at parties or smoking cigarettes? 
2. Write down an honest list of what it would REALLY take to make those resolutions happen.  What are the things you need?
3. Write down a list of what is standing in your way.  What are the road blocks, what would it take to take them down?
4. Formulate your plan and take a single step on the list.  Seek help to hold you accountable, like a workout partner or a health coach.  Seek out help in your partner to make time for you to go to the gym or workout.  Find a referral to a doctor or couples counselor. Look up listings of AA meetings. 
5. Then start executing your plan one step at a time.  Rework your plan as necessary. 

So what if it isn't 1/1/11 today.  It is January 19th...the first day you have towards meeting your goal.  If it is something you truly desire, then you will be glad you did.  You are the only one who can decide to change your life, but you can't do it alone without changing the things around you to support your goal.

Have fun storming the castle!

In health and wellness,
Nicole Harter