Reframe New Year’s Resolutions in 2018
Along with singing “Auld Lang Syne” at the start of the New
Year, making resolutions is a tradition for millions of Americans.
However, while choosing a resolution can be easy, sticking to it can
be impossible. A 2014 YMCA survey found that less than a quarter
of respondents kept their resolutions. Many (71 percent) tried, but
stated that they fell short of their goals, while 40 percent confessed
that gave up within the first few months, even weeks, of the New
Year!
This year, the Gaston County Family YMCA is encouraging
community members to give their New Year’s resolutions a boost by
creating smaller, more manageable goals that can lead to success of
a larger one. “’Losing weight’ is too broad,” explains Susan Blanton,
Associate Executive Director Warlick Family YMCA. “Reframe that
big resolution into smaller, more manageable ones. Resolve to
incorporate fruits and vegetables into at least two meals a day. If
you’re eating out three times a week, make a goal to only eat out two
times a week.”
The Y also explains that reframing your goals in a positive way
can help you stick to them. For example, you may want to limit
your screen time in 2018, but that can be more manageable if you
replace it with something positive like volunteering or setting special
time aside for family. “Try not to think about what you’re missing,
but rather what you’re gaining. This can make a resolution feel more
positive, and therefore more achievable,” says Blanton.
2. Take it one step at a time.
Trying to change too many habits
at once can easily lead to frustration.
Instead of a New Year’s resolution,
make a new month resolution. Focus on
that one change for the month, and add
another (small) change when the new
month rolls around.
3. Choose a facility that focuses on a holistic approach to health.
When it comes to adding healthy behaviors, like increasing physical
activity, it’s important to find a facility that keeps you motivated.
Before committing to a membership, take a tour of local gyms to
find the best fit for you. Your facility should not be just a gym, but
a community organization that offers more health, more hope and
more opportunity.
4. Talk it out. It’s easier to stick to your resolutions if you have
a partner or friend working toward similar goals. Team up with
someone to set your 2018 goals and help each other establish a
game plan dedicated to achieving them. Set specific check-ins to help
each other out of slumps and to cheer each other during the high
points.
For additional tips or to learn how to get involved with the Gaston
County Family YMCA, contact 704.830.9622 or visit Gastonymca.org.
It is important to not let yourself get discouraged by setbacks.
Even though you may experience some missteps throughout the
day—or even the week—that doesn’t mean you have to give up.
“Nobody got their bad habits over the course of a week, so you’re
not going to change them in a week either!” explains Josey Messer,
Wellness Director Stowe Family YMCA. Change is a process and bad
days are part of that process.
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Below are four tips the Y recommends that will help 2018 New
Year’s resolutions stick.
1. Start small. Break those big resolutions into small, achievable
goals. Instead of cutting chocolate out of your diet for good, vow to
only have it a few times a week. Or trade your two sodas a day for
one soda and a glass of water.
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Parent Teacher Magazine• January/February 2018• 3