WELLNESS CONNECTION · Life Balance

Map Out the New Year

By Petra Beumer, M.A. and Susi Warmé,OTD, OTR/L

January 22, 2010 - 10:50AM

It's the first month of 2010 and time to map out this year's goals. What aspirations do you have for yourself? How can you make this year better than last? Take a moment to reflect on these various areas of your life: career, finances, family and friends, spirituality, romance, health and fitness, fun and self-care and personal development. Learn how you can pick a goal and see results through following these simple steps:

1. Get Started. Pick an area of your life that needs change. Do not judge. Assess what needs to happen in order to improve that particular lifestyle domain. Now, come up with one or two small action steps. When identifying an action step, be sure to keep it small, simple and achievable. Also, assess how it will actually fit into your current lifestyle. Be specific and realistic. For example, "I will sign up for a Pilates class by the end of the month" or " I will leave work half an hour early once a week, starting next Wednesday."

2. Identify Support. Who you will recruit for your support system? The person you choose is a key component to sustaining healthy habits. Ask a friend or significant other to help hold you accountable. Or, perhaps try partnering up with a workplace walking buddy, hiring a life coach or personal trainer. Beyond external support, how will you keep yourself accountable? Research indicates tracking progress can help to initiate and sustain habits. Identify the system that works best for you, whether it is tracking via journaling, an online tracking tool or a calendar. Take the time to acknowledge your progress at least once per week to keep motivation levels high!

3. Prepare for Obstacles. Potential barriers always present themselves in life. If you are aware of mental blocks or situations that may interfere with your commitment, you will be better equipped to handle them. Remember to treat your new action step as an appointment by scheduling it into your calendar. Treat it as you would an important business meeting or a doctor's appointment. Keep the commitment to yourself. Whether it is a commitment to working out for 30 minutes twice a week or blocking out "play" time every day for 10 minutes, stick to your commitment.

4. Tap into the Past. Take a look at the past to identify what worked and what didn't work. Identify the skills and strengths that enabled you to make positive changes before and see how you can leverage those same aptitudes to attain your current goals.

5. Keep a Positive Mindset. Whatever goal or action step you choose, remember that change starts in the mind and persistence creates results. Keep a positive attitude and enjoy being in the process of improving your life - one baby step at a time.

Rated by 3 people: