The biggest thing that seems to keep me from pursuing healthy eating habits or exercise routines for any significant length of time is personal time constraints. Busy, busy, busy. Like many people today, as a single parent, I don’t always have time to get home-cooked meals on the table regularly — much less take the time to actually prepare something nutritious and healthy.
My goals for healthy living don’t include becoming super-model thin. I want to be healthy and strong. I’m not interested so much in how I look as in how I feel. The journey to a healthier lifestyle can begin with two steps: facing up to life’s brevity, and facing up to the truth about your physical condition. Anyone who’s ever been able to wear a size 5 as an adult (like I can!) can’t use the excuse of having big bones anymore.
Over the years, my resolve to get healthy has been strong, but the practical application of my good intentions was sometimes difficult. I attempted a complete eating/exercise program. And failed. Failed miserably. A couple of my friends said the program was a failure. My nagging inner voice tried to tell me that I was a failure. But in retrospect, I don’t think either the program or my personal resolve was the root of the failure. I think I simply bit off more than I could chew at one time.
HABITS vs. RESOLUTIONS
I’ve discovered over the years that there’s a big difference between the formation of habits and simply making resolutions. I believe that one of the keys to successfully implementing permanent change in our lives revolves around instituting new habits. Once a habit is made, we don’t even have to think about it anymore. It becomes second nature.
The secret to successfully instilling new habits is choosing one habit — and only one — we want to work on at a time, and then focusing on that single habit for about four to six weeks (the amount of time it usually takes for a new behavior to become habitual). After the first habit’s been formed, we can choose another habit to work on for a month or so, etc., etc. The failed program I tried awhile back required life changes in the following areas:
- the amount of food I was eating
- what I ate
- how frequently I ate
- the amount of water I drank
- aerobic exercise
- using weights for strength training and body sculpting
All in all, I believe it’s an excellent program … but for someone like me who had allowed herself to fall so badly out of shape and away from healthy habits, attempting to overhaul every area of my life in one swoop was almost a guaranteed failure before it began.
ONE HABIT AT A TIME
But what if instead of trying to change everything at once, I’d picked one idea at a time to work on until it became habitual? Six months before — when I first started feeling the inner motivation to get healthier — I could’ve started with one small step such as drinking enough water everyday. Then the next month maybe I could’ve focused on aerobic walking three times per week. Or eating properly balanced meals. And then the next month focused on the timing of my meals.
In the same six months I would’ve been able to simply — and easily — instill all six of the life changes from that program without ever feeling overwhelmed by trying to do too much all at once. Instead of looking at my assorted food/exercise/health issues and feeling like a failure, I could’ve been making small and steady steps in the right direction each month and come out successfully at the other end.
LET’S GET GOING!
My health goals don’t include becoming super-model thin or running a marathon. I want a healthy, balanced lifestyle rather than an obsessive diet/exercise regime that’s based solely on quick results and what I want to see in the mirror. The mirror isn’t my gauge of success. The energy and stamina and good health that comes for a balanced lifestyle is the success I want to see in my own life.
So, what about you? What single small step can you take this month toward a healthier New Year and a healthier new you?
Choose one habit at a time. Take one step at a time. And before we know it, we’ll all be where we want to be … not just healthy, but health-WISE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Taylor-Hough is the mother of three, a full-time college student, a displaced homemaker trying to make ends meet on a limited budget, and the author of several older (but still in print) books including the popular Frozen Assets cookbook series. You can visit Debi online at: http://www.SimpleMom.com
Haha…for me, being “super model thin” is simply a pipe dream, while losing five pounds is a genuine goal. No need to confuse the two!
Great inspiration here … good luck to you in 2011 and beyond!
Why are New Years resolutions always about food? lol Nothing about improving our soul or new fields of knowledge?
http://www.familyradio.com
I know right! Well mostly because people’s new years resolution are about losing weight which has to do with food, or trying to be healthy which also has to do with food. Improving new fields of knowledge is something we should all adopt! I know for a fact that is one of the best ways to grow. Thanks!!
@kozmo 77 I agree, you may find my post New Years Nightmare http://pissedoffbitch.com/2011/01/02/pissedoffbitch-new-years-nightmare/
(sorry I don’t know how to do the tiny url thing) interesting
However I really enjoyed the orignal post, thanks Deb, I really enjoy you’re writing style
Well I would guess because people are overloaded with problems. The human species is good at dealing with immediate dangers (problems) and excess weight seems more real and more immediate than lack of knowledge or insight.
My new year’s resolution is to be more positive and to judge people less. It’s harder to measure than weight loss and therefore not as “easy” a goal to achieve, because you don’t know when you’ve achieved it.
Overall I don’t think we need to worry about people’s new year’s resolutions of loosing weight because one of the many benefits of fitness is enlightenment and with that comes insight into the soul and the pursuit of new knowledge.
If you want you can check out my blog about fitness motivation. It also focuses on the pursuit of bettering ourselves through the pursuit of knowledge, enlightenment and insight
I completely agree. I actually started my blog yesterday thinking it was just going to be about creating a new body for myself. I’m beginning to realize that changing the inner me, is more worth while and it also helps with a healthy diet.
I attemptred to make my diet and exercise goals a habit, but alas I fell off the wagon. I wil be trying again under the guise of New Years Resolutions. The term gives my intentions more clout. So roll on 2011, there is a svelte Miss T in the making.
I agree with you on that. Losing any amount of weight is a goal for me. I love to eat and that is not good when your are suffering with dibetes. It’s a full time job.
I think you make a really good point, Mikalee, about the difference between a pipe dream and a genuine goal. I think it’s common for people to mistake the two and then end up feeling like they’ve failed because they were unable to reach an unrealistic “goal” when they probably could’ve succeeded with a genuine goal.
~Debi (The Simple Mom)
Great post. Mine would be to focus on writing more articles/day, I think.
That’s a good one for me, too.
–Frankie Robertson
Me, too.
~Debi (The Simple Mom)
A good blog. Bravo.
Forming a habit is better than trying to obtain a new years resolution.
Good advice.
Enjoyed your blog
Hi,
Thank you for sharing this.
I can totally agree with you. Having a good habit is a good thing.
Once we start that good habit, our conscious mind become clearer hence we will be more careful and choose what we eat.
We are what we eat.
Thanks…;)
I wish I could follow this advice!!!
Hi simplemom, yes I found it quite difficult to make resolutions correlating to losing weight and gaining healthier lifestyle. I was diligently joining fitness session at gym bfore winter but I ended up finding excuses to avoid the classes. Now I dont want to leave my membership at gym to be in vain, I will force myself to do some exercises, especially after hustle n bustle of Christmas.
Thank you, I really enjoyed reading your post.
If you are curious how New Years Resolution started, please pass by my blog and enjoy my post “Who invented New Year’s Resolutions?” (http://wp.me/pXsUB-zC)
Happy New Year!
elenasc.wordpress.com
this one sounds simple but it isnt…trying to limit myself to 4 meals out of the house/week.
http://dearexgirlfriend.com/
Enjoy reading your blog.
I am retraining myself to work out and eat wisely. Every few years I get into a slump, but it seems like I am on the path – again – to get back where I was!
I love your idea about integrating one new habit at a time–it makes enormous sense!
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Happy New Year,
Kathy
Your english is pretty good. I hope I can write so beautiful articles. And, I believe you can make it! Come on, I’m waiting for your voice of success.
Hi Deborah, Incremental changes can make all the difference. For me, one small step I am taking is to going to get to the gym one more day a week.
kiri
Good post! Makes sense to me. I too am feeling the inner urge to finally start living more healthy. I’m 50, but feel like 80 sometimes. So, I think I will take your post to heart, and choose one thing to work on at a time. Thank you for posting.
Hi Deborah,
I think that you’ve hit on a couple of very key points: taking small steps and focusing on turning those steps into habits. We’ve all made the mistake of biting off more than we can chew and ending up with no progress.
I’m often encouraging my patients to do just what you’re suggesting: pick something, make that change, feel good about that change as it becomes a regular part of your life, and then slowly add in another. In fact the whole premise of my blog is based on knowing that improvements in health don’t always come quickly but are achieved in a step-wise fashion (it’s titled 200 Steps http://www.chiropractorguelph.com )
To help with habit formation I would suggest Dr. Ian Newby-Clark’s blog My Bad Habits ( http://www.my-bad-habits.blogspot.com ) especially his “What Went Right” series of posts. They’re a great introduction into practical ways to stick it out while forming good habits.
Your goal of a healthy, balanced lifestyle should be the measure of success for us all.
Happy New Year and congratulations on being Freshly Pressed.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I’m going to take a look at your blog and the other one that you recommended. I appreciate hearing that you give your patients similar advice. Helps me feel like I’m on the right track.
~Debi (The Simple Mom)
Exercise is a big resolution for me…check out my post on keeping up with my resolution at http://moniacal.wordpress.com/2010/12/22/the-lady-is-a-champ/
Two freshly pressed posts in a row…You go mama!
Hi,
What a lot of truth in your article! Thank you for sharing those insights.
Isn’t it interesting how often we don’t time to do the things we need to do, yet we always find time to do the things we want to do? lol
Habits that are formed on purpose tend to take longer to ‘stick’ but I think you have the right idea to simply focus and keep it simple for yourself.
Good luck in the New Year!
Bonnie
Thank you for your encouragement. I will definitely make some adjustment, and stat from the beginning- number one -the amount of food I was eating-
New year -New choices- New me!
Happy and healthy 2011 Year!
Get back to the gym! My issue is making myself go on a regular basis. Why is it that something that makes you feel so good when your done takes such a mental effort to get me there?
I think it’s important to change the way you talk to yourself as well. Saying, “I don’t like how I look/feel,” is damaging compared to a more optimistic, “I’m getting healthier every day.” Self-talk really reinforces your goal.
Great article Deborah! You are so right about this. You can change the world, but you can’t do it all at once.
The first step I’m going to take to become healthier is to quit smoking. I have thought a lot about it over the last year, especially the last couple of months. I have decided to follow Dr. Oz’s Kick The Habit Plan and have talked to my doctor. Good luck on your goals!
Great post!
so true!!
new year is the best time to have a fresh start and you are more likely to keep the motivation at this time of year!!
But how about an alternative view on making resolutions?
check out http://urbanoptimist.wordpress.com/ for more info!!
lovess
Leanne.
xxx
thanks for this! i’ll follow what you said, hoping i’ll be able to keep my new year’s resolutions
Why make new years the point in time where you decide you are going to improve your health? Seems like something you should strive to do year round. Otherwise, you’ll end up making a resolution and once you break it, you decide to wait until the new year to try again. Seems like a bad cycle to get into!
Love this! I was talking with an organizing client earlier this week about this very thing. I’m going to send this link to her right away.
I agree that focusing on one habit at a time, and really making a conscious effort to be consistent, can make a change in your life possible. I’d like to lessen my sugar intake (it’s in almost everything and don’t know if I could completely get off of it) and not always feel like I have to have something sweet after every meal I eat. I’ve done it before, for almost a whole year. It’s so addictive, though, and easy to get off track again. For me, I don’t why, but I’ve always found the first three days of any dietary change I try to implement to be the hardest. If I can get past those first three days, then I have a good shot at making it work!
Good luck to us both! And Happy New Year!
Last year, I changed eating habits. I began watching what I ate and to drink more fluids. Then I added walking the dog about 1/2 to 1 mile everyday. My next step is to add a boxing workout video to my routine. Like you I am working for a healthy weight, not super-model fun.
That is a good call – starting one thing at a time. My mother always gave me that advice. Rather than starting a new diet by dieting and exercising on day one, maybe get your eating down first. Your post reminded me one thing I need to focus on myself is drinking enough water, so maybe I’ll start with that on January 1 and build up to the rest.
My simple step this month is dry toast. I am a buttered toast addict and I need to drop the butter for a while.
Great article… I have never had weight issues, but did get pretty far above my “optimal” weight about 8-9 years ago when my mother was sick. What did I do about it? Well you nailed it… 1 through 6. Developing healthy habits and losing some weight is not rocket science and doesn’t involve 3-CD sets of exercise programs from the TV infomercials. It’s eating right (lots of veggies, fruit, lean protein) and regularly (i.e. several small meals throughout the day rather than the three traditional huge meals) and exercising, including some aerobic and absolutely regular weight training. And especially good advice to take it one step at a time! That’s what I did, I’ve been able to get back to my normal weight, change my eating habits (yes I still occassionally over-indulge!) and I continue to weight train. Good luck with your continued success and keep up the great blogging. Happy New Year!!
Steve
I agree! Habits are a key. We all want to ‘resolve’ things in an instant, it’s f our society’s ‘immediate gratification’ BAD habit I think. True change doesn’t come instantly, and ONCE you do reach your goal you have to somehow maintain it, so it has to continue on a s a habit. I have several goals for myself, especially as a mom of a small children, and I try to often to do it all at once. I think focusing on one thing for several days, even a month, is probably the best way than trying to do it all at once.
yes, new year is new you ^_^
My way of not failing new year’s resolutions is to not have one. Hehe…
I’d say diet is more successful when it’s a habitual change. My father went through this when he started having health issue. He’s eating much lighter and healthier nowadays. Once you get into the groove of it, you start enjoying the new diet.
Best of luck and happy New Year, Deborah!
I am resolved to be more resolute and to get into the good habit of setting goals! New year’s resolutions always inspire me, sort of like the first day of school.
All good points. Instead of resolutions, I write a “Letter of Commitment” each year. My “2011 Letter of Commitment” was posted yesterday. It’s about being realistic and being accountable (how many by when) when making commitments.
Love the blog! My weight gain over the last 2 years has inspired me to start my blog. I’m still learning just the basics of HOW to create and maintain a blog but I’m having fun doing it! I’ve always been active but have been consuming too many sweets (thanks to having it in the house now)…I also need to be smarter with my snack choices…which reminds me, off to snack, then off to spinning! Have a successful 2011!
Thank you. Really, it just helped me to realize that I don’t have to change like 4 habits at a time. The way you put it is that I can spend a month to work on one habit. I think I can do it if I just work on one habit at a time. 2011 will be a blast, anybody agree!?
I like the first part.
It was my goal for 2010.
KEEP GOIN’!
AND GOOD LUCK!:)
Good luck in the New year. It is so hard to have a plan and stick to it. In 2006, I decided my health was really important to me and I needed to make a radical lifestyle change….I was completely addicted to candy especially chocolate which I ate like it was going out of style. Like you, I thought it was better to tackle one thing at a time and I chose to stop eating candy all together. It was an extreme decision but well worth it. Now I can proudly say that it is almost 5 years since a candy touched my mouth. This coming year, I hope to cut down on junk food and move around some more.
The solution that I have put in place for food is to prepare my meals for the week (Monday to Friday) on Sunday. I prepare five meals and dessert. I listen to jazz, sipping a good red wine and I cook for my love and myself. There are plenty of dishes in the fridge and everyone eats well. Why was this solution? It allows me to come home from work later in the evening. Why? To go to the gym to sports spinning as I try to practice three times a week.
Excellent advice. It’s taking small steps consistently that build a cycle of success. These steps advance us toward our goal by replacing unhealthy habits with healthy ones and psychologically by increasing our self-confidence.
You can check out a post I just did on learning from failure, at http://lifeinfocuscoaching.wordpress.com/.
Your blog is an excellent example of what I’m describing in my post.
One habit at a time. That’s great. Thanks for the blog posting. It inspired me more to live healthier next year and forward. And congrats for being displayed at fresshly pressed.
Thanks Simple Mom, resolutions have been on my mind and my blog
lately. I enjoyed your take!
Here’s a bit more on resolutions http://www.agirlsgirl.com
Nice post. The difference between a habit and a resolution is indeed vast. (One of) my resolutions is to complete a couple of mental/human improvement courses I’ve gathered over the years (better memory, better multitasking, actually meditate regularly, et cetera). The trick is that a lot of them are interdependent, and I don’t feel right starting one without the others.
The solution I worked out is to get a bunch of friends to do it, too. I read somewhere that they did a study of people making resolutions, and found that those who told their friends and got support were 10% more likely to fulfill them. Hopefully, that will overcome the difficulty of trying to establish multiple habits at a time.
The details are over at my blog, if you’re interested in joining us.
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Yes, it is often difficult to start altogether, but it takes more time to maintain. I would disagree that six months is too small to make such changes and requires more time and more consistency.
So true..
My way of doing this is like.. instead of saying I’ll start from tomorrow.. I say (and do) I’ll do this only today
This works with the hope that I can do whatever I want tomorrow.. like not doing it also…
Worked well when I was trying to get rid of my addiction to coffee.. I would say I will not drink or allow my self only one cup today and tomorrow I’ll get back to howmuchever I want and then again next day I’ll have the same resolve.. Yeah.. it didn’t work 100% everyday but definitely worked much well than I’ll completely quit from tomorrow!!
The only thing a date can change about a person is their age. Nothing else. New Years resolutions have good intentions, but almost always fail. If you make a decision to make a lifestyle change it should be based on your true desire to change, not because the turn of the calendar. I’m speaking generally here, not about anyone in particular. Nonetheless, tons of luck to all the resolutioners out there!
Great insight, thank you. I hadn’t thought about it that way before but I am going to try to do as you did and change 1 bad habit at a time. When bad becomes habitually good I will move on to the next. Thanks again.
Andrea
http://luminousbeing.wordpress.com/
http://www.cowgirlblingthings.com/
I am just a teen, but I think the best way to get yourself to stick to resolutions is to keep the list where you can see it every day. Then, as you complete goals, put pictures/certificates of your accomplishments up next to the goals.
http://www.teenfisherman.wordpress.com
Yes, That a good idea to plan it what we can do in coming next year so plan for it to achieve a success.
Enjoyed reading your post! I think most of us put too much emphasis on new year’s resolutions and that it only reconfirms our failures of the year before. And for most of us, the “new” resolutions are the same as before! Good advice on forming habits one at a time. Congrats on Freshly Pressed and Happy Holidays! LB
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agreed with the process of letting resolutions become habits which eventually become changes…wish you all the best and a happy new year ahead…
Losing weight is really a challenge. Losing a few extra pounds (from 220 to 175) wasn’t easy. But i got their through determination. And yes. you have to do it one step at a time. it gets you somewhere.
good luck to you on 2011. i did it and so did my mom. and i guess so will you. Happy New Year! and Nice post!
What a great way to put it — working on one healthy habit at a time. That’s exactly what I’m going to put into practice. Thanks so much for your article. I’m so glad I found your site and will return to it often. Happy New Year!
The secret to my success is to focus on the goal rather than on the obstacle. Focus on what you want rather than what you want to give up. Instead of looking at smoking, look at all the other stuff I would rather do with my time, money and health.
a good post
good luck to you! what an inspiring post, thank you
http://luckyenoughblog.com
sometimes the best things are simple
just thinking about something soothing makes you a little more creative as you ponder in a different direction altogether.
http://lushfun.com
“The mirror isn’t my gauge of success.” Very quotable.
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Hey loved this post
I just did a similar (but much less detailed) one myself. My aim is to force myself into new habits which are saving money (or rather, letting the money go into the savings account and refraining from withdrawing it!) and trying to eat my 5 a day. I’ve been working on that for about a month and I already now eat at least 3 bits of fruit a day without even realising and then dinner generally has veg in.. its been so simple so I’m looking forward to really making it second nature in 2011 and feeling better for it.
The best of luck with your resolutions and the whole of 2011!!
Deborah, I really like your idea of implementing one habit at a time. i think too much emphasis is put on changing your whole life over the course of one stroke of midnight. Taking small steps will mean you’ll achieve 1/2 goals within a month, rather than waiting until June for it all to kick in. I imagine getting a couple of bits right early on will add to the determination & motivation to get on with the rest of them.
Hope it all goes well.
PS Thanks for reminding me to dirnk more water in 2011
I think most people break or forget about their resolutions because they are too vague and over-reaching. Keeping them focused, simple, and few in number is probably a better strategy. I have a somewhat tongue-in-cheek blog post about resolutions: http://omyc.wordpress.com/2010/12/28/irresolutions/
Happy New Year!
I like your idea of choosing one thing to make a habit and slowly expand on it. In 2011, one plan I am going to work on is running. I haven’t done it in AGES! Okay, maybe since last year, but I want to run again and secondly, drink more water! Flossing is definitely a habit of mine now, thanks to Dr. Oz. Great post and congrats being Freshly Pressed.
http://dazzlingaway.wordpress.com/
thats cool..
I like it! I will not attempt to make resolutions, but will aim for positive habits! I actually did that with my blog in the months of Nov/Dec…I tried to do one random act of kindness per day, and you know what? It’s started to become a habit of mine now! Great post, and kudos on FP!
http://miracleon32ndstreet.wordpress.com
I find that it’s easier to replace bad habits with good ones rather then just focus on exterminating the bad. It gives you something else to focus on and diverts our attention from that bad thing we find so easy to do. Good luck in 2011!
http://humanitarikim.wordpress.com/
Great advice. Baby steps are definitely the key to long term weight loss!
no fried foods/fast foods
Yes! Just what I need to hear as I get ready to make some changes. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by big goals or having numerous goals. Small steps lead to big changes.
“Once a habit is made, we don’t even have to think about it anymore. It becomes second nature.” Thank you for such an inspiring article. One questioned why so many resolutions focus on weight. Perhaps, it’s due to the fact that so many individuals of our nation are at war with food. —–I am so excited to work on me this year! I am determined to be a better me (emotionally, physically and spiritually). Once I’v succeeded, I will be a better me, wife, mother, etc. That makes me smile. Again, thanks for sharing
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Great ! Excellent post … Happy New Year
Thank you for this!
I’ll take note of your advice. Haha. I shall lose weight this 2011!!!
Your blog is great!
Thanks for sharing! It’s so true, a long list of resolutions can be daunting and difficult to follow. I totally agree with you that just changing one habit at a time is the key to long-term success. Good luck!
I must say, it really makes me SMILE to see someone who has a grasp on making changes, one at a time versus “weekend warrior” style! Nobody should ever try achieving a “thinness” so that you appear to look like you’re going to break if I hug you. Here’s another article you may all enjoy (expect a little humor)!
Happy Healthy New Year!
http://wp.me/p15ytG-5V
I’m excited to write out my New Year’s resolutions tomorrow!
Great Post!! Thanks for the little extra nudge I will need to get my butt (literally) motivated. Happy New Year!! =)
Excellent post. I spent 2010 trying to lose weight and at the end of it I am at my heaviest!! I have finally admitted defeat and I enrolled myself in a weightloss program along with a friend. I am looking for support, accountability and encouragement. I was able to lose 18 kgs after my sons birth in 2008 but 2010 was different, miscarriages and generally a very bad year for me healthwise. 2011 is going to be different because I want to take control of my weight.
My first step was to invest in a treadmill, I exercise everyday for thirty minutes, and I am very happy about it.
Will continue to exercise for a whole month untill it becomes a habbit. Thanks for this inspiring post.
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well put
Excellent article! Being realistic is important and creating habits is certainly the best way to get to the next level.
It’s always to consider improving emotional and physical health of oneself as New Year’s resolution.
I don’t really make NY resolutions in an overtly conscious way. I just bumble along during the year and try to make changes that last.
As for healthier living resolutions and as a long-time regular cyclist (which obviously my blog covers plus food, etc.
), what I do advise people when they ask me personally what to do, my response continues to be:
Hope you a regular physical activity/sport that you will fall in love with it , so much that you want to do it several times per week…for life. Doesn’t have to be a sport that is in “fashion”, even if it’s lawn bowling. If you enjoy doing it, the activity willl not be a chore to you and get you through some rough life patches.
Same for changing to healthy eating habits. I tend to drop stuff along the way life….ie. eating alot less white rice now to control my diabetes 2 tendencies. (White rice has high glycemic index.) I eat it now only 3-4 times /month compared for every dinner.
You need to fall in love..for new, healthy dishes, that preferably you can make yourself easily at home. Then letting go of the past worse habits, is easier. Also for healthier eating, think and learn how to make dishes creatively that don’t always use recipes.
If I followed recipe often, that would be a bore and would like a cooking is a chore instead of an creative act with wonders of natural/whole produce.
It helps to join social activities or friends who are also engaged in a healthy lifestyle activity.
But be prepared, to go on the healhty lifestyle path…solo if your loved ones aren’t joining you.
would like to add that I’ve been cycling for past 18 yrs., because I love cycling. I can vouch my physique would be a different result if I didn’t engage in this love.
I will turn 52 next month.
And I don’t drive. Live car-free life for past quarter century.
Believe me, this way of life does make you less consumer oriented: I can’t buy too much junk food or else I got serious weight to haul on bike homeward!!
1- do more as a family.
2- cut back on smoking.
3- pay bills on time.
4- go out walking alot more.
awsome
My goal is to get back into the gym! I was so good for months and fell off — my wedding is coming up this August and I need to be looking hot to trot!
http://www.vibinvixen.com
Staying away from the chocolate. Haha.
http://lifebehindthemakeupcounter.wordpress.com/
Great suggestion. Thanks so much for posting.
I love bread and cheese. My new habit would be to eat less carbs and dairy, and eat more protein, fruits, and vegetables.
Great blog & post! Happy New Year!!
I really enjoyed this blow. I agree with a lot that you said and find myself in the want to make some resolutions but time and habbits make it hard. Anyways good job.
http://sincerewriting.wordpress.com
Awesome post
Cheers
Niconica
http://niconica.wordpress.com
Ugghhhh! I’m going to try so hard to stick to everything on the list. Great blog by the way!
http://strangetributes.wordpress.com
Hi
verry verry nice. Thank you for shairing this publication. Anyone cant chang people’s mind and the world.i think you can do it.All people’s can chalange her or his eating habits .i will write you soon.
Thanks
good luck and take care….
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011…..!
Udaya Rathnayake
As much as it is not realistic- i still wish i could change a whoel bunch of thinsg as quickly as possible!!!
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!!! And Happy New Year!
x
My experience in life with this subject (sixty-nine years on the planet) is that everything starts with what is called the “Proper Mental Attitude,” others might refer to it, as one’s “Mind Set.” I have been blessed in the years with some positive responses to my hobby poetry writing. When I stepped back from it, and read it, as one who did not really write it, I realized that the theme throughout is the same. Only with the right “Spiritual set of our minds and our spirits, are we able to accomplish great things with our lives.” Your blog and writing also indicates this theme beautifully, hence it being chosen for “Freshly Pressed.”
Resolutions rarely make a difference in my experience. It’s taking the time to make a change. I’ve successfully changed most of my eating habits, not all yet unfortunately, and I get some exercise everyday, but you’re right that it can be really hard to find time for everything.
http://lanternhollow.wordpress.com/
I always start out with a long list of resolutions and then as the year progresses the list gets shorter and shorter, and at the end I might only achieve a few of them, however this year I have decided to try and achieve more of them. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Very good New Year’s advice. I think usually people have a hard time sticking to their resolutions, but your advice is an easy and effective way to ensure one does reach their own personal goal.
http://fantasticalreality.wordpress.com/
Hey Deb,
Awesome post indeed. Resolutions are the first step to habit. If one is committed to follow its resolution, habit formation won’t be difficult.
Wish you and family happy new year
cheers
rajiv
http://rrajiv.wordpress.com
I recently lost about 20 pounds or so and kept it off. It was by doing what you said in this article, I made a habit and stuck to it. It’s not exactly radically changing what I eat, but just the little things. No drinking coke, no chips, french fries, etc. and now when I do try these things I can fill the urge to snack like I used to. Anyways, good luck on your resolution!
Such a nice valueable things you have.
Thanks
Rohail Sultan.
This is a great blog, can definately relate.
My resolution is to get more active too
check out my blog: http://emmablount.wordpress.com/2011/01/01/whats-your-new-years-resolution/
Nice post and blog… We drink new year by Vivaldi Music with NotitiAE link:
http://notitiae.wordpress.com/2010/12/31/concerto-di-natale-dellaccademia-spoletina/
New RV811
Good New Year eve 2011
This is a superb blog, and I really enjoyed reading this post.
Happy New Year to you
the concept of one…one minute of silence, one day at a time, one foot in front of the other and one habit at a time. I love it! I can do it! I have already chosen my first new habit for 2011. I started today! When I am sitting at the computer I will have a glass of water next to me. And while I am waiting for something to download or save or I am reading my favorite blogs I will drink my water. I even chose a pretty new insulated glass to be my companion. Thanks for the post!
New Years Resolutions with God being in the middle will definitely bring the best results!
KEEP GOIN
AND GOOD LUCK ;D
Resolutions rarely make a difference in my experience. It’s taking the time to make a change.
Well for me…..I stop with the next year I’m going to!!!! So I looked deep within myself and found out a lot about self. Well I took baby steps each day I challenged myself to take that extra step for a stranger or for myself even. Every day I ask myself what can I do to be a better person today than yesterday? It started with being more patient with people, being real with self taking care of me. Challenging oneself I always thought it was easy to do. ( I mean come on you know yourself better than anybody so challenging yourself is a piece of cake) What I found out over the years…its being real with self first and then everything else will fall in place. I am happy with self, however, there is always room for improvement.
Reecee-
Totally in agreement. One step at a time, that’s the way to climb mountains and molehills. Great post!
Great article.
I’ve found that having a “resolution” doesn’t make as much difference (for me, anyway) as “making a DECISION” it’s true. You have to decide-to yourself, within yourself-that you are changing a particular behavior. Then you start working on a new, or replacement, behavior. If I wnat to exercise more, I have to keep going past that first 5 minutes of walking-when I feel sweaty, or I start thinking about all the crap I have to do, and keep going. After about 15 minutes or so, I start feeling good about it. Don’t think about exercising EVERY DAY. Think about exercising TODAY. Sometimes the thought of 6 more days of walking and weating and still not fitting into those jeans is overwhelming. And I agree with some others-making decisions to change behaviors works better if I think about becoming healhier, physically and mentally!
Enjoyed your post. I’m going to endeavor to make one diet/health change per month, while also working on personal/spiritual growth.
If it’s a daily habit, if we start today, we will have done it 365 times by next year, today.
Thanks for the reminder, because I quit resolutions the year I made a resolution, not to make resolution. But I could use some new, improved habits.
happy 2011.
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This article is great. I’m looking forward to living a healthier lifestyle in 2011.
I need to try this after I do the master cleanse.
I like your writing, always successful
That is very useful!
i have a horrible habit of jumping from one project to another. this is evident even in the smallest of projects , like work. My aim is to continue for 6 weeks to daily make my list of priorities and measure my progress against that list at the end of the day. there’s so much more that I want to do, but I just want to start small..
i like you….
Thanks for the great perspective. One habit at a time sets us up for realistic success. For me, your first habit is the most essential — limiting the amount of food I eat. I recently returned from Japan and I am convinced the top reason that Japan is the least obese or overweight nation in the world is because the portion sizes, while leaner, yes, are appropriate. How much we put in our mouths, more than how much we exercise, determines our weight. Thanks for your post and thanks for asking. Best wishes with your resolutions.
So many resolutions are about working out in order to lose weight. Yes, losing weight is one way to stay healthy, but we can’t forget about working out to be strong and increase muscle mass. My resolution last year was to join a gym and get moving! I stuck with it and found that my body pump class has helped me have more energy and be the strong person I never knew I could be. Good blog!
Thank you for sharing your experiences!
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what a Coincidence!
this is EXACTLY what I was thinking about month ago!
I totaly agree with every word,plan and idea you’ve just said
good luck for you ALL <3 !
Resolutions – habits…. small ones. Little things make big things. Great perspective you laid out here on how to start.
We’ve chosen to join a gym and stick with a morning routine of just showing up daily… lol the rest comes in time…
The habit of just showing up is probably more than half the battle!
~Debi
“The secret to successfully instilling new habits is choosing one habit — and only one — we want to work on at a time, and then focusing on that single habit for about four to six weeks”
So true…it’s the only way…that and finding way to replace bad habits (inactivity) with healthy things you enjoy (dancing salsa). Great entry!
Yes, one new habit at a time. Repeat. One new habit at a time.
For me, I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolution. If someone wants to change something bout ‘em selves, then they can change it right away. You don’t have to wait for a new year to change it.
Very good! It really makes sense and is good advice. I will be trying this, however the main goal is MOTIVATION. If you don’t want to work at being healthy…it is quite a battle to succeed even marginally. Good luck to everyone who tries this!
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I really enjoyed your post. I found your suggestion on setting smaller more manageable goals at a time very helpful and very true. I recently wrote on my blog about healthy eating based on your individual physical type and activity level. It has been helpful to me and I think it might be helpful to you too. Feel free to check it out if you’d like. http://www.TruePotentialCounseling.wordpress.com.
I think this site sums in up. attandapple.com
Over the past several weeks I’ve picked up on this idea of babysteps, and instilling one habit at a time. Thanks for the added inspiration, and the knowledge that I’m not the only one that has frequently bitten off more than she can chew when it comes to adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
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Thanks for the thoughtful post and for the idea to choose one habit at a time. I’ll pick #3 from your list – drink more water!
Have a great day!
I am looking for inspiration every day this year. How’s a shutout hockey game for a burst of it?
http://workingtechmom.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/shutout-hockey-game-yeah/
Amazing post! I’m about to write my own NY’s resolution and wonder if I can follow all that, haha.
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nice post. i have been trying to multitask for the most part of my life and have discovered, like you, that probably, a smarter thing to do is to focus on one thing, finish it then go on to another thing. i an trying to work on waking up early, which for me, is just the most difficult thing to do…
I think you’re onto something here! I agree with what you’re saying about the importance of habits to make lasting change. I, however, do think it’s possible to change more than one habit at a time.
Your program probably required of you to totally change your lifestyle from day one and that’s totally wrong. It’s extremely difficult and actually can be physically dangerous.
The concept of New Year’s resolutions is totally misunderstood by most people. They think that by saying that they “kinda want to loose some weight” it will automatically happen. That’s not how it works
Instead of typing out my entire way of setting goals / new years resolutions I’ll just post the link to my article on the subject: http://fitnessmotivator.wordpress.com/2010/10/17/setting-goals-the-most-important-step-of-self-motivation/
The most vital steps in achieving a goal are:
1) Finding out exactly what
2) Finding out why
3) Doing it! Developing habits…
Also in regards to not having time for cooking meals; I understand that finding the time can be extremely difficult but if your have a strong enough why you WILL find the time
These two articles from my blog touch on that subject, and are (in my opinion) extremely motivating:
1) No More Excuses, Take Responsibility!
http://fitnessmotivator.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/take-responsibility/
2) What Separates Us From The Rest?
http://fitnessmotivator.wordpress.com/2010/12/19/what-separates-us-from-the-rest/
I really enjoyed your post and I think you’re right in most of what you’re saying
Resolution success comes from not making any. Be the change you want to see in your life every day.
Thanks for the blog. It makes total sense.
AH
http://ahechoes.wordpress.com
Mine is to drink more water
hopefully
http://ninjawiththeorangetshirt.wordpress.com/
I wish I had the will power to stick to my resolutions. Last year I resolved to lose a certain amount of weight and I did, but now I’ve gained back most of it. It’s heartbreaking!
Excellent points, and a topic I’m exploring myself. I’m experimenting with the concept of monthly resolutions at http://12stepnewyear.wordpress.com/ . It should be easier to focus on a resolution in the short term in order to make it a habit (as you stated) instead of having a huge, seemingly insurmountable goal right at the start.
you got an informative article…
It’s being motivated and not lazy on abandoning your new ways….
getting better changing is our will,,
but, just someone who focus on target is the winner
i like reading your post
http://irhamtaro.wordpress.com/
i definitely agree with this. Last year, I made a resolution to lose weight (of course), and i went about it slowly and gracefully rather than making drastic changes. i ended up losing 20 lbs, just enough for me.
forlazywriters.wordpress.com
i mean http://forlazywriters.wordpress.com/
This makes perfect sense. I’ve been trying to do too many things at once; trying to change everything all at once. No wonder I haven’t been able to accomplish my goals. Brilliant!
I know what I need for this year is a BETTER ONE !!! comeon 2012
I think food is certainly part of the being healthy equation. For me that translated into visually documenting what I am eating every day all year with my blog. I hope this helps me give myself credit for eating well and gets me back on track when needed. Wish me luck!
Great post! New Year’s resolutions can be so meaningful and so difficult at the same time. I really enjoy hearing people’s resolutions. Thanks for sharing yours. I recently stumbled upon another blog like I stumbled upon yours and that I enjoyed: http://burisonthecouch.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/new-years-resolutions/
I look forward to reading more of yours. Thanks!
I’ll put it as simply as possible: great advice here! Loved every word!
subscribed! Awesome post (:
Hi world!
This is a related post, this time in spanish…
http://nadamasquelaverdad.wordpress.com/2010/12/27/la-verdad-sobre-los-propositos-de-ano-nuevo/
Have a nice year!
The Truth will set up free.
great advice. I’m focusing this month on water and cigarettes!
One step at a time.
Happy new achievements year!
Thanks for this. Will use this advice for sure!
Cheryl
I’m also a busy single mom, trying to improve my lifestyle… Small steps. Giving up soda drinking more water, batch-cooking so I’ll have healthy meals ready, and preparing healthy snacks so we can grab-and go on busy nights. Great article! can’t wait to read your books!
>The biggest thing that seems to keep me from pursuing healthy eating habits or exercise routines for any significant length of time is personal time constraints.
IF THAT IS ALL YOU ARE IN LUCK, FOR MOST PERSONS STILL INCLUDING THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS DO NOT EVEN KNOW FIRSTLY WHAT HEALTHY FOOD IS NOR THE DIABETES DANGER OF SKIPPING ON MEALS.
These are great recommendations. The best way to achieve weight loss and sticking with it is to stay organized. Great post!
Great insight. I think for a lot of us who just need to lose a little weight, it’s hard to make that lifestyle change last.
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
Baby steps is exactly how I managed to lose 41 pounds in the last year for a total of almost 60 pounds in the last two years. Plus, I did not diet but watched my portions, ate veggies and or some kind of fruit at every meal, gradually eliminated all pop, learned to love exercise and decided since I was busy taking care of everyone else, I might as well put myself first on this health journey. As women, that is not always easy, especially being a single parent. However, if you don’t get healthy, and some big health issue springs up, who will take charge then? Answering that question, really woke me up to springing in action and getting it done. Believe me, it was not easy and is still not easy. But it is worth it! Take one day at a time…one goal at a time… one foot in front of the other…just don’t quit. You can do it!!!
This reply is my first step into blogging of anysort. In reading the comments I kept reading about resolutions, habits, and the like.—
all good things but they are only half steps perhaps. Successful ppl I’ve known set goals– a good thing. But in addition they write down strategies, then tactics. Those thing s tell them HOW they are going to get to the goals. Then keep track ofyour progress; track what you do, record it. If we don’t we WILL fall of the course.
But here’s the kicker= yes, we all fall off the track. The key is to stay by the commitment. Get back on it. If you don’t have it written down, you will drift away, and we are rightback where we started: no goals, no purpose, live by the circumstances of what is fun and or easy. doing what someone else has lined up for us to do; apathy.
If you want motivation watch, “The Biggest Loser”.
I’ve resolved to make not resolutions, but this is good stuff! Sort of like the “action journal” where you can’t write down goals, you have to write the steps only. Makes achieving the end result manageable when you turn it into actions.
Very good.I think lose calory my body too.
gooood artical
Every January we girls remember to change our eating habits. It reminds me when I was in school, every September new goals and anxiety. But I’m going to be honest, cause I’ve already wrote about it, I do care about my mirror cause what I look like reflects how I feel. Your advice is very good, it’s right to take one step at a time and changing eating habits permanently.
Throughly enjoyed reading this article
Nice article, great recommendations. Thanks
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Great post, as always! One small goal is much easier to achieve!
I have a few smaller goals which will help me achieve a bigger goal.