Another New Year, Another Resolution

Why do new year resolutions always feel so exasperating? Maybe it’s because while we may have the best intentions, we find ourselves in a place that we really don’t want to be in. Well, when we do, it becomes a nuisance, a chore, a struggle, and almost inevitably - a disappointment.

Let’s say, for example, you might resolve to go on a diet. But wait. Ice cream? Potato chips? Chocolate cream pie? And who can say no to pizza? Way too hard, so, nope – maybe next year. Here’s the problem with this resolution. The idea of losing weight cannot compete with giving up the things we love. I have learned as a certified nutritional health coach, that instead of punishing yourself for trying to lose weight, change the way you eat. The key to my philosophy is moderation (I know, hardly a secret). In other words, don’t starve yourself, and don’t overfill your plate. Pick more nutritious foods and if you absolutely crave an occasional sweet, reward yourself and have it – in moderation. Denying yourself only makes you crave it more. A simple eating modification is a lifestyle change that will make you more aware of what foods you send to your mouth and will replace having to “diet.”

And the most common resolution; “I’m going to work out more.” This resolution, like so many others, starts out with a “gung-ho” attitude. It may even spike a one or two week visit to the gym until, “This waking up early is encroaching on my sleep time. I’m not seeing any results, so why bother?” Newsflash! Every work out doesn’t have to end in a puddle of sweat. In fact, Jessica Matthews, exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise, says sweating is no workout indicator; sweating does not equal calories burned.¹ Starting a new workout program with “gang-buster” exercises, especially if you’re not used to working out at all, only ends up becoming a chore. Start simple. Rather than think “exercise,” think “movement.” Think walking. Walking is one of the best exercises you can do and one that offers a ton of benefits. It is heart healthy, strengthens bones and muscles, mood lifting and mind calming. It can even serve as a think-tank for new ideas; a time to sort out issues you may be dealing with. Go to the gym, or not. Alternatively, consider parking your car five blocks away from your office and walk. As it becomes easier, park ten blocks away.  Maybe, at some point, you’ll get in the habit and even find it fun. Best part is you’ll get your exercise and BONUS, even shed some pounds in the process.

Let’s take one final example and look into the workplace. There may be a number of things you want to change in your practice and think a “New Year’s Resolution” is the best way to make it happen. You decide this is the year you want to: increase revenue; finally dismiss that belligerent staffer; or maybe even make the practice run more efficiently. Great! The next step is to determine if these are just desires, or actual goals, complete with an action plan? If they are merely wishes, kiss them goodbye, unless: there is a huge bank error in your favor; the belligerent staffer quits before firing actually occurs (maybe that was the staffer’s resolution!); and the practice suddenly and miraculously (snap fingers) becomes efficient. Unlikely, unless you put together a plan that identifies what Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely (aka SMART) actions to take to REACH that goal. Otherwise your hopes for those resolutions will ker-plunk as fast as the expected diet-exercise wishes do.

With all pardons to Walt Disney and Cinderella, there is no fairy godmother that will come to your rescue. The challenge to make changes belongs to you alone. Consultants, health coaches, fitness gurus, friends and family can offer lots of sound advice and suggestions. Unless you decide what you really want for yourself, everything you wish and dream to do, personally and professionally, becomes just that… a wish and a dream. Singer-songwriter, Harry Nielson, said it best; “a wish is just a dream you wish to come true.” ²

Forget about making a list of wishes and dreams. Make one resolution and stick with it by starting simple.  By the way, no one says you need to wait until the beginning of a new year to make change, but since we’re here, there’s no time like the present to make things happen. 2022 awaits you. Embrace it. Good luck. And Happy New Year!

Ms. Homisak is the President of SOS Healthcare Management Solutions in Federal Way, WA.  She completed a Health Coach Training Program from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and received certification as a Holistic Health Practitioner from the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

References

1. Kelly D. Does more sweat = a better workout? Jumpstart by WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/does-more-sweat-equal-a-better-workout#1 . Accessed January 11, 2022.

2. Dreams are nothing more than wishes, and a wish is just a dream you wish to come true. AZ Quotes. Available at: https://www.azquotes.com/quote/721967 . Accessed January 7, 2021.