Have you broken a New Year's resolution? Maybe you've skipped days at the gym, had a few too many glasses of wine, or over-indulged that sweet tooth?
What should you do when you're tempted and vulnerable in January or any time of year?
My advice is to go in prepared, armed with intention and accountability. Don't get sideswiped unaware. That just fuels the inner critic – you know, that voice in your head that blames you for "bad" behavior or for being "worse than..." (fill in the blank). Believe me, I know that critic well, berating me for not measuring up, for having said the wrong thing, for overeating now and then. We wouldn't let our friends talk to us this way, yet we allow our own spirit-squashing inner voice to say the nastiest things. And with that negative energy, we easily fall into a catch-22 of sabotaging behaviors.
Achieving your health goals isn't about succeeding or failing any more than being lucky comes with avoiding black cats and ladders. Creating lasting healthy habits takes preparation, commitment, and a system to lighten up what's on your plate and what's in your mind, to feel more energy, to begin enjoying the rewards of daily exercise and nutritious cooking, and to revel in the body's positive responses.
A goal without a plan, is like a construction project without a blueprint. Where do you even start to build? Click here for my article in Marin Magazine's February issue on healthy eating to get you started.
Accomplishing sustainable resolutions takes the following five ingredients:
•Clarity of Intention – What's your "why" behind your goal?
For example: "I don't want breast cancer at 62 like my mom." That's mine by the way.
Or, "I want to fit into that beautiful dress at my daughter's wedding and make her proud of me."
•Writing it down – Studies show that writing down our goals and how we'll reach them leads to significantly greater success.
•Commitment – On a scale of 1 to 10, how committed are you to this goal? You've got to be all-in rather than just toying with the idea of getting healthier.
•Small steps daily – Small action steps daily add up. And by focusing on each small accomplishment, you begin to silence the inner critic and start feeling healthier physically and emotionally.
•Accountability – Friend, Partner, Coach. Studies found that like-minded spouses or friends were much more likely to continue working out or sticking to their goals when they had each other to hold them to account. The key is to get clear on your obstacles and figure out how you can help each other work beyond them.
Believe in yourself. Learn and implement new health strategies. You deserve it.
Looking for a partner? My three- and six-month programs will provide you with the weekly tools you need to change your habits slowly, easily, and positively. Watch yourself shift your habits as you enjoy honoring yourself and taking care of your body and mind. I'm your coach, educator, and accountability partner as we work together to help you reach your most important health goals. I have 2 spots left. Click here to apply for my 3 or 6-month coaching programs. Sign up before January 31 and receive $100 off these programs.
What should you do when you're tempted and vulnerable in January or any time of year?
My advice is to go in prepared, armed with intention and accountability. Don't get sideswiped unaware. That just fuels the inner critic – you know, that voice in your head that blames you for "bad" behavior or for being "worse than..." (fill in the blank). Believe me, I know that critic well, berating me for not measuring up, for having said the wrong thing, for overeating now and then. We wouldn't let our friends talk to us this way, yet we allow our own spirit-squashing inner voice to say the nastiest things. And with that negative energy, we easily fall into a catch-22 of sabotaging behaviors.
Achieving your health goals isn't about succeeding or failing any more than being lucky comes with avoiding black cats and ladders. Creating lasting healthy habits takes preparation, commitment, and a system to lighten up what's on your plate and what's in your mind, to feel more energy, to begin enjoying the rewards of daily exercise and nutritious cooking, and to revel in the body's positive responses.
A goal without a plan, is like a construction project without a blueprint. Where do you even start to build? Click here for my article in Marin Magazine's February issue on healthy eating to get you started.
Accomplishing sustainable resolutions takes the following five ingredients:
•Clarity of Intention – What's your "why" behind your goal?
For example: "I don't want breast cancer at 62 like my mom." That's mine by the way.
Or, "I want to fit into that beautiful dress at my daughter's wedding and make her proud of me."
•Writing it down – Studies show that writing down our goals and how we'll reach them leads to significantly greater success.
•Commitment – On a scale of 1 to 10, how committed are you to this goal? You've got to be all-in rather than just toying with the idea of getting healthier.
•Small steps daily – Small action steps daily add up. And by focusing on each small accomplishment, you begin to silence the inner critic and start feeling healthier physically and emotionally.
•Accountability – Friend, Partner, Coach. Studies found that like-minded spouses or friends were much more likely to continue working out or sticking to their goals when they had each other to hold them to account. The key is to get clear on your obstacles and figure out how you can help each other work beyond them.
Believe in yourself. Learn and implement new health strategies. You deserve it.
Looking for a partner? My three- and six-month programs will provide you with the weekly tools you need to change your habits slowly, easily, and positively. Watch yourself shift your habits as you enjoy honoring yourself and taking care of your body and mind. I'm your coach, educator, and accountability partner as we work together to help you reach your most important health goals. I have 2 spots left. Click here to apply for my 3 or 6-month coaching programs. Sign up before January 31 and receive $100 off these programs.