Action steps, not intentions will assure that you make the changes you want in 2022.
Here it is another year with another chance to resolve to save more money, lose weight, or eat more vegetables. Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions?
Resolutions are just a list of intentions. And, I’m sure many of you have experienced, as I have, by the end of January, most of those intentions have been forgotten.
Successful change is made by taking small, action steps toward that change. True action steps are behavior specific. For example, “losing weight” is a great goal but it is not a behavior. However, “replacing one sugary snack with a piece of fruit at least three days a week” or walking 30 minutes three days a week” are behaviors. So, each of these action steps would lead you toward weight loss.
Now you might be thinking: I’ve tried that before and it didn’t work. Here is a 5-step plan that will help you focus and stay on track this time.
Determine what steps you need to take to reach your weight loss goal.
Take some time to think about this. Along with food and activity, think about your kitchen – does it need reorganizing? Do you need additional food containers, or storage bags?
Create a list of actions you will take to fulfill the first step above.
If you want to lose weight, what actions are required? Will you walk one mile three days next week? Will you eat only one dessert next week? Do you need to purchase additional food containers for Sunday meal prep?
Once you have drawn up a plan of action steps toward your goal, put each action step into your schedule.
Things are more likely to get done if you schedule them. Keep track of how you are doing and any problems you encounter.
Most plans run into obstacles/challenges.
Anticipating your challenges and having a plan to confront them will lead you to success. For example, there will always be holidays and social events. You can plan ahead for these challenges. Check out restaurant menus in advance to find healthy options. Take your own healthy recipe to parties, or celebration dinners.
Look for progress not perfection.
It is possible to get off track. But, that does not mean you have failed. Don’t use it as an excuse to give up. As in, “I ate one cookie so I might as well finish the box.” Be kind to yourself and get right back to it.
In order to become the person who eats clean, healthy meals, or reaches your healthy weight, you need to walk from where you are now to where you want to be. This means you might have to give things up or add in things you might not like so much yet.
In the end, we all have to find it within ourselves and want to change for the better.
Now, why not review your resolutions/intentions and make a list of action steps that will get you where you want to be?
Statistics show that most goals set in January are weight loss goals. This has never been truer than this January!
May 2022 bring health and happiness to you!
I have put together an ebook, 7 Steps to Make Weight Loss Easier & Effective
Download it now – it’s FREE!