Have a Plan for Your Resolutions

Disclosure

It’s that time of year again. As the holidays roll around, people take the time to count their blessings, think of people they appreciate and the gifts they have been given in life. It’s also a time when many people reflect on the things that could be better in their lives. Hence, the New Year’s Resolution. Personally, I’m not one to lay out those rules to start the new year. It’s difficult enough to stay focused when making one major change but to lump them all together at the beginning of the year makes me feel like I’m setting the entire year up for failure. As a longtime member of the gym, I see this year after year. The number of new people who show up in January is ridiculously high. Most of them are gone by early February and most of the rest are gone by March. Maybe they find success elsewhere but I think most just give up on the resolution. Instead, I try to make changes throughout the year as I see the light. I many not follow-thru with all of them but by focusing on one at a time, I’m more likely to succeed than if I tried to do them all at once. If you are one of the people who needs to start the year with resolutions to drive you, here are some things that can help you be successful!

Resolution: Lose weight

• Water, water and water. Drink more water. Period.
• Monitor food intake. Make better food choices but also recognize that even healthy foods have limits. Use a scale to weigh your food then track your consumption using an app like MyFitnessPal.
• Exercise. Whether you join the gym, run or use weights/videos at home, find something that you enjoy and stick to it. If you’re a social person, try a group fitness class. If you prefer the independence, hit the treadmill or weights, go for a run or try an exercise video or video game.
• Develop a support group. Sometimes the best cheers come from people who have the same goals as you. They have no preconceived opinions of you or your goals. Online groups such as MyFitnessPal and Weight Watchers provide you with tips, advice and encouragement.
• Use an Intel 2 in 1 to monitor your foods, track your exercise, stream music or videos and connect with your digital support group.

Resolution: Get organized

• Create to-do lists to make sure you’re getting everything done that you need to do.
• Touch things once. When you’re opening the mail, file what can be filed, shred what needs to be destroyed and process what needs to be done.
• Get rid of things you don’t need. Kid’s artwork is wonderful but you don’t need all of it. Let them keep a few of their favorites then digitally save all the rest. Each year, we save the ones that include their handprints as well as a few of their favorites but the rest we lay on the ground around the kids then photograph together.
• Solicit help. Get the kids to do their part. Give them chores appropriate to their age.
• Use an Intel 2-in-1 to get your scheduling done, communicate better, pay bills, print chore charts and create digital scrapbooks.

Resolution: Eat healthier

• Find recipes that fit your family tastes but push the envelope to change things up. If you’re used to boiling green beans or cabbage, try grilling or broiling instead. The texture and tastes are completely different and the flavors might surprise you! Our kids actually love roasted cauliflower.
• Research new foods. Kohlrabi? Kale? Almond milk? You won’t know if you like it until you try it. If it doesn’t go over well, find out what they didn’t like about it.
• Get advice from professionals. Ask a dietician, talk to the produce manager at the grocery store, ask a chef. Whether you do it online or in person, find a way to get some easy tips on where to start.
• Use an Intel 2 in 1 to look up new recipes, track food intake, search food trends, watch cooking videos and keep track of recipes that the family enjoyed!

Resolution: Save money/Spend less

• Shop smart using coupons and watching sales. If it’s something you need to buy, be mindful of promotions and stock up when possible.
• Eat out less. With the multitude of food blogs and websites out there, you’re sure to find recipes that fit your family. Too busy? Seek Crock Pot recipes. Dietary restrictions? Google to search for the concern with “recipe” or “blog” in the search. “Vegetarian blog” or “Gluten-free recipes” to find recipes that work for you. Pinterest is a great visual source for looking for recipes of all kinds.
• Monitor your spending. If you don’t know how much you spend each month on groceries, clothes, toys or whatever then you won’t know where to focus your attention first. It may only be a few dollars for that cup of coffee but if you’re getting it every day, then THAT is the best place to start. To figure out your spending habits, track it using financial management software like Quicken or Mint.
• Use your Intel 2-in-1 to track sales, print coupons, research recipes, track spending habits and get a grip on your finances.

Whether you choose to begin the year with resolutions or take them on throughout the year, find ways to be successful instead of making excuses for the failures. Positive thoughts and well wishes to you as you enter 2015!

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?