New Year New You

Spring tends to be a time in the year when lots of us decide to live our lives differently. Maybe we want to lose weight or become fitter or maybe even to be a nicer person. Whatever our goal not all of us will succeed. This may happen because we tend to look at the changes as all or nothing. But it needn’t be the case.

We jump into the change we want enthusiastically and then get despondent when we don’t see a huge difference almost immediately. But stop and think. Whatever we are trying to change has probably been a habit of ours for years. Maybe we have even tried already in previous new years and not succeeded. If we have been doing something for years don’t expect an overnight change. And maybe you won’t succeed the first time. But if you persist you will.

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​​Here’s my suggested six steps to reach your goal:

1. Write your goal down. Then put it where you can read it everyday. Maybe a note on your fridge or on your bathroom mirror.
   
2. Think realistically.  You’re changing lifetime habits so slip small changes into your daily life. Don’t jog a mile in your first day - you’ll be knackered. Start with quick walking and some short jogs. Take bite-size steps.
   
3. Be positive. You will be able to do it. OK you may slip up but get right back up and start again. Focus on your goal and why you are introducing this change.
   
4. Let someone know. By getting someone else involved who will support and believe in you will help you try harder. Make sure they ask you now and again how you are getting on.
   
5. You may slip. Just keep cool and tell yourself that you only make mistakes if you are trying. Re-look at your goals and the steps you are taking and decide if you need to change them a bit.
   
6. Just go for it.  Don’t hang around, don’t procrastinate. Your brain will find lots of excuses to hold you back. It doesn’t like change so trick it into doing things. If you are planning to lose weight then reduce the amount you eat slowly. One less biscuit a day. And then another. Then smaller portions and suddenly you are eating less calories and losing weight.​

Remember if you really, really want to do it you will. But you need to agree with yourself why it is important to change your life. What will it mean to the new you? Don’t do it for others. What will you get out of it? And remember to remind yourself each day why you are changing. Believe in yourself and just do it.