By Dr. Jon Thomas, DC, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician.
One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions of all is to lose weight and to get back in shape. Most people know that being at a healthy weight and being physically fit is simply better than being overweight and out of shape. Another reason people make resolutions is that they know there’s an inevitable price to pay for overindulging throughout the holiday season.
Unfortunately, about one-third of all New Year’s resolutions are broken by February. What makes the difference between a New Year’s Resolution that sticks, and one that gets dropped by Valentine’s Day? Here are a few tips on how to make a resolution that you’ll have a shot at keeping.
Define for yourself why you want to lose weight and get in shape.
Figuring out what you want is the easy part. The “why” can be a bit more of a challenge. Do you want to get in shape so you can go hiking or biking? Do you want to get in shape so you can be more attractive and improve your social life? Do you just want to get through the day without all the aches and pains?
Defining the “why,” for your New Year’s resolution will improve your ability to visualize how you want things to be. You don’t just want to be slimmer and fitter. You want to be slimmer and fitter so you can get to the top of Kilimanjaro or hike the Appalachian Trail. Connecting your core values and your sense of purpose to your resolution will help you to stick with it.
Get specific.
Eating better, losing weight, and getting fitter are general goals and they are a great place to start. However, becoming very specific in regard to your goals will actually help you to achieve them. Think of it like looking at a map before taking a trip. (I know that some folks don’t do this much anymore, but play along.)
You may know in a general way that you want to travel north. However, driving north to Maine is quite different from driving north to Montana. Define your destination, and you’ll have a much better chance of getting there. The goal could be losing 20 pounds in six weeks, or it could be running two miles in 15 minutes, or it could be both.
Write down your goals.
It’s one thing to think about a resolution. It’s another to take the time to write it down in black and white. Why? Because writing it down requires more effort. You’re not going to write something down until you’ve actually thought it through. In addition, when you write your resolution down, you are, in fact, committing to it at a deeper level than merely thinking or even saying your resolution.
Rebuild your world so that it helps instead of hinders.
If you have easy access to snacks and other foods that won’t help you to achieve your weight and fitness goals, that won’t be conducive to achieving them. If there’s lots of tempting stuff out in the kitchen, you’re going to want some when you go out there. Remove the things that aren’t helping you, or at least get them out of sight and make them a bit more difficult to get at.
Focus.
Some people make multiple resolutions. As I’ve already mentioned, about a third of resolutions have been abandoned by February. People who make a single resolution and stick with it are way ahead of the pack. I recommend that you focus on one or two things that are really worth doing, and let those be your resolutions.
Cut yourself a little slack if you fall short.
It’s really important to remember that nobody is perfect. For most people, there will be setbacks. Those don’t have to define your overall success. The way you deal with setbacks will define your success. Slipping up once in a while is human nature. As long as you’re doing well over the long-term, you will achieve your objectives.
Commitment.
Commitment is one of the keys to a successful New Year’s resolution. Without that, people tend to quit. Successful resolutions start with a strong sense of commitment.
Vibrant Life Health Center’s Personal Connection
For lots of people, losing weight and getting fit is difficult without some help. Having an accountability partner or a coach to help you stay motivated can make an enormous difference. It helps a lot to be able to talk to someone who is understanding and supportive.
One of the biggest differences between the NutriMost program at the Vibrant Life Health Center and other weight loss programs is that we maintain a strong interpersonal connection with our patients all the way through the program. We’re committed to keeping them motivated and helping them to maintain their resolve.
Patients can send a text to Dr. Thomas at any time of the day with a question or some challenge they’re facing, and he will do his utmost to answer very quickly. He usually answers within thirty minutes. He is an accountability partner and a coach for his patients, and that’s not just lip service. That’s one of the things people mention over and over in their testimonial videos.
If you’d like to find out how Vibrant Life Health Center can help you to lose weight, get fit, and to make 2017 your best year ever, call today to set up an appointment.
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In this article, I have discussed how people can make effective resolutions for the New Year. Whether that involves losing weight or getting fit, it is possible. I’ve provided some tips on how to go about doing that.
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At Vibrant Life, we address all the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes nutrition, Chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a Chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact our office to set up an appointment.
Dr. Jon Thomas is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health Center, is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in health and fitness started early, and his athletic pursuits have included BMX racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weightlifting, and Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health experts throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people of all ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to initiate the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that functions optimally. Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV on First Coast Living, where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the health of residents throughout Northeast Florida.
The best thing you can do if you want to get back in shape is to get off the couch and put down that snack. A little more exercise and a little less junk food is a great way to begin the new year.
ReplyDeleteResolutions are fine. Resolutions that work are much better. Thanks for the helpful article.
ReplyDeleteAll good suggestions. I would only add "don't go overboard to start with". Set very realistic and achievable goals, and modest diet and exercise plans, and make small, incremental adjustments as you go.
ReplyDelete