Patient Education Center

Three Simple Ways to Jump Start Your New You Resolution Today

• Apr 26, 2022, 9:11 AM

“I’ll start tomorrow” is a popular phrase for so many of us when we know we need to make a positive change. It seems easier to let procrastination have its way rather than face that dreaded discipline that is required for change. But does tomorrow ever come? It is always easier to delay change until… after the holidays, after this project at work is finished, or after the kids go back to school. There are many reasons that we put off making the changes we know would benefit our lives.

A fear of failure: Although there is no chance of failure if we never try anything new, our greatest lessons and wisdom comes from overcoming our mistakes. We all fall. When we “fall off the wagon” or “miss the mark” we must dust off our knees and climb back on board.

Perfectionism: This causes us to put off making a change until we believe we can do it perfectly. So often it is easier to do nothing than to think we won’t be able to do as well as we would like. It is not important to achieve perfection. The more steps we take that are positive, the more our health is improved.

But we can overcome the procrastination trap. Start today, with the three steps listed below, to find your inner focus and motivation to jump start your “new you” resolution.

One Step at a Time

Break your goals down into simple steps you can start to implement today. Even implementing small changes can transform your life. If you start small, you will be more likely to take immediate action. Each small “win” will move you forward with confidence. If your overall goal is to lose weight, have more energy and improve your health, for instance, it can be daunting to think of incorporating all of the lifestyle changes required to meet your goal. So pick one simple change that you can do right away. Make the change measurable, specific, and attainable. Perhaps you could pick up a new cook book and practice some new healthy recipes. Or you could make a plan to pick one day a week to cut up a variety of colorful vegetables. Have them in your refrigerator, ready to go, promising yourself to eat them by the end of the week. Think of colorful stir-fries, smoothies and beautiful salads. And with the added motivation you will have from incorporating this one new habit, you will be ready to focus on your next step.

Focus on an Inspirational Vision

Without a clear vision or focus we will drift through our days, living in default-mode, expending all of our energy in the here and now. If you are going to change an area of your life you need to get a clear and compelling vision for what you want to accomplish. A vision is like a goal but more vivid because you can clearly see it. A vision is a picture in the mind that you focus on. Your energy will go toward where your focus is. So don’t focus on what you want to get rid of or you will always have it. Focus on what you desire. Create your vision, concentrate on that target, and you will automatically gravitate to what you desire. If your goal is to lose weight and be healthy, envision yourself in the best physical shape of your life. Let your thoughts settle and simply dream about looking and feeling your absolute best. Hold that image of yourself… see the skin tone, the shape and every facet of your body. See yourself in that outfit or suit that makes you feel like a million bucks. See yourself doing what you love, and feeling fit and fabulous. See your vision clearly and never let it fade. Be in tune with this vision of yourself and your life… how happy you are, how active you are, how energized you are, how fantastic you look and feel. Your mind is your GPS system and with this vision your mind and body will work in sync to make your vision a reality.

Keep Yourself Motivated

The best motivator is to have a genuine reason to change. Tap into the higher wisdom within yourself by always remembering why… know why you want to change and move forward, so the daily distractions and short-term desires will not overshadow your long-term goals. Is your quality of life diminished by lack of energy, excess weight, stress, depression, or declining health? When your “why” is strong enough you can change that voice in your head that says, “Oh, forget it, it’s not going to happen.” That voice that says, “Don’t start now, you’re getting ready to go on that cruise.” Or, “Don’t get out of your warm, cozy bed one-half hour early to exercise!” When your vision is a healthy mind and body filled with energy and vitality – making good choices is not a sacrifice but an inspiration. Get clear about what’s most important to you today. Knowing your why is the best place to start to train a new powerful voice within yourself that will inspire you on to your “new you” resolution.

Think of someone that can be there for you to cheer you on and hold you accountable to follow through with your goals. It can be a family member, friend, co-worker, or a health coach. It’s much easier to succeed when you have someone believing in you even when you feel tempted to falter from your path.

Start today to unlock your highest potential and live the life you dream of living.