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beginning of a new year brings with it a prime opportunity to make a
change. Maybe you have been wanting to spend more time with family,
reduce stress, work less, eat healthier, exercise more or quit smoking.
Regardless of what change you want to make, there’s no better
time than now to make it. However, change is never easy. Here are some
tips to help you make new year goals and achieve them.
Set Goals
Decide what you want to achieve this year and write it down. Be specific.
Set challenging, yet reasonable, goals for yourself. If your goal
is too easy, you may not be motivated to achieve it. If your goal
seems too difficult, you may give up easily. Your goals should also
be measurable. It will be easier to see your progress if your goals
are measurable. Measure how you are doing against your goals throughout
the year, and adjust as necessary.
Make a Plan
Once you have established your goals, try to break
them down. Determine how you can make even small changes in
your life. Write down steps you can take toward achieving your
goals. You do not have to make a complicated plan; just brainstorm
(continued on page 2) enough ideas to give you a place to start.
Do not try to do it all at once.
Getting Around Obstacles
You may encounter some obstacles when trying to maintain a healthy,
active lifestyle. For example, you may find that you do not have
time to go to the gym or prepare healthy meals while traveling or
during extended work periods. Develop strategies to help you get
around the obstacles. Plan in advance how you will handle it if you
encounter that obstacle. Building social support into your goal can
also help you get around obstacles. Involving your friends and family
in your plan can be very helpful strategies.
Seek Resources and Support
Find out if anyone else around you shares your goals. Maybe your co-worker
is also trying to quit smoking. Use one another as a support system.
Get your family and friends involved in your change. Non-profit or
community agencies may also have resources available that can assist
you in achieving your goals.
Rewards
Remember, change is a process. Establish rewards for yourself for each
success. Do not wait until next year to look at your goals and see what
you achieved or where you failed. Do this at all the measurement points
you built into your plan.
Top
10 Most Common New Year Resolutions
1. Lose weight
2. Stop smoking
3. Stick to a budget
4. Save or earn more money
5. Find a better job
6. Become more organized
7. Exercise more
8. Be more patient at with others
9. Eat better
10. Be a better person
Source:
www.GoalsGuy.com
The Small Business
Wellness Initiative offers a variety of programs
that utilize goal-setting strategies. For more information, contact
us at (817) 332-6329, ext. 258.
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