TAKE CONTROL OF CHANGE
The holidays are wrapping up and that leads to thoughts of the New Year. I’m not typically one to buy into the New Year’s resolutions but maybe you are, and that’s OK. My opinion is that you can start fresh any day. There’s no need to wait until the New Year to make a change in your life. I have found in the past that when I have tried to make a “radical” New Year’s resolution, I often failed. Changes have to start small and need to be intentional. Before you go about making radical changes, here are some tips on how to set yourself up for SUCCESS. 1. Make a list of the changes you know you need to make.
For me right now, I need to get back into my fitness routine. I have fallen back on this due to a recent sickness I was suffering from the past month. My go to routine is to run every other day, but right now my goal is just to do some sort of exercise every other day as running may not be doable every time for me.
I also need to clean up my diet. I typically count calories, but I am now ordered to be on a low sodium diet due to recent health changes. I plan to start eating clean and eating meals at home (meaning I will prepare for times I am out past lunch and bring food rather than grab fast food).
I also need to be intentional about being in God’s word daily, several times a day. If I’m going to fight the good fight, I must be prepared mentally and spiritually.
While it’s good to have a list, don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to change all these things at one time. Pick the biggest bang for your buck. What is going to have the most impact. Or you may want to start small if you are one who often sets goals and fall short leaving you disappointed in yourself and discouraged. These goals of mine are things I have been doing for a long time, but I need to clean it back up a little and reset my mind and body.
2. Once you have picked a goal, set a date.
Decide when you can start this goal. If you are working on your diet, and you have a few more holiday parties to attend, you may want to wait until those are over. You don’t want to feel like a failure in the beginning.
3. Research how you want to make the change.
You need a good plan. Do some research first. Is this diet effective in the long term? Is it short-term, and if so, what is my plan once I reach that goal? How do I need to set up the routine for exercise? Pinterest is a great place to find resources. You can also follow blogs written in your area of interest. Facebook often has groups for certain interests where you can find a community of encouragement. Then there is Google when you just don’t know where to start. Read books.
4. Pray about it.
God knows your needs, and he knows what we are capable of more than we do. Give this area of concern to him. Tell him your plans and let him guide you.
5. Find an accountability partner.
Mine is my husband and a friend. Find someone and tell them your goal, your plan, and your weaknesses. Text, call, or sit down with them and talk about your struggles or successes. If you can get someone on board to do this with you, EVEN BETTER!
OK, so what are you waiting for? Let’s take control of our lives again by taking one step at a time! My new start begins today. I would love to hear your plans!