February 28, 2006 by Domenic Thomas, M.S.O.M., L.Ac.
Most people start the year off with a new year’s resolution to get in shape. Whether it be trying to break old habits or starting a new fitness routine, the problem lies in finishing the job when the luster of the new year finally wears off.
It is my feeling that people fail because they lack the ability to create a long-term vision of their health, which is essential to making permanent healthy lifestyle changes. Rather than shoot the moon and create an impossible goal for oneself, I find it is more effective to create a blueprint for the future which can be broken down into stages with achievable goals.
I advise people to create a plan which incorporates short-term goals over 3 to 6 months with a reward for achieving that goal. Make the first goal simple, such as making it to the gym 3 times per week for three months. I tell my patients to reward themselves with something that enriches their gym experience like a new MP3 player or a shopping spree for new gym clothes.
Once you have determined your goal and reward, try and then create a plan for the entire year which encompasses a series of 2-3 more of these short-term goals. Now is the fun part, think of a nice vacation or something extravagant to reward yourself with if you make all of your goals for the entire year. You deserve it!
