Resolutions, Intentions and Other Paving Stones

"I like to encourage people to realize that any action is a good action if it's proactive, and there is positive intent behind it." ~ Michael J. Fox


Here we are again... that time of year when tradition says we should set improvement goals for mind, body and spirit. Do you or don't you?

I have to say that it has been only during the past few years that I've actually taken this tradition seriously. I attribute it to a health scare that came out of nowhere.

I knew I was overweight, but I had quit smoking. I knew I didn't eat healthy, but I ate balanced. I knew I didn't exercise enough, but... but... 

OK, I got nothing there. 

Anyway, because I always felt reasonably good, my only maladies being the common cold or occasional flu virus, menopause and arthritis, I considered myself healthy. 

Unfortunately, my heart had some bad news for me. And, I think we all tend to listen intently to messages from the heart. It was time to get serious. 

Unfortunately, the first year was pretty much a bust with regard to reaching my goal of treating my body kinder. But, I wasn't successful at reaching my goals, because I wasn't very good at setting them. I think this is the point where good intentions very easily could become purgatorial asphalt. 

During the second year, I got better, after I read some things about the power of positive intention. As in adopting other behavioral changes, I learned I needed motivation, objectives and a plan of action.

One thing I found out about myself is that I require motivational reminders. Daily reminders. Hourly reminders. Visually graphic reminders. Positioned in strategic areas throughout my house. This action demonstrates intent by changing the environment. 

I also have to write down the goal. In her book, Write It Down, Make It Happen, Dr. Henriette Anne Klauser, one of the leading authorities on communications and writing productivity, talks about the importance of putting goals in writing, citing studies which have shown a much higher success rate for people who write down their goals vs. those who do not. This demonstrates intent by making oneself accountable.

First rule... a resolution has to be specific. In other words, using as an example the perennial #1 resolution, deciding to lose weight in and of itself doesn't cut it. Targets have to be specified. How much weight? By when?

Second rule... the resolution has to be realistic and maintainable. Continuing with the favorite "lose weight" resolution, did you know a pound of body fat contains 3,500 calories? Just to lose one pound per week requires a change in normal lifestyle by either decreasing daily caloric intake by 500 or doing enough cardio exercise to burn 500 calories daily. And, you have to get some strength training in there to replace the body fat with muscle to keep the weight off. That means carving out more time for your workout schedule. So, while losing three pounds a week is doable, it's sure going to require a lot of gym time.

Lastly, you gotta own the goal. Why are you making the resolution? How badly do you want it? If your heart's not in it, you'll lose your motivation, setting yourself up for failure and self-reproach. And, who wants that?!? 

Regardless of your goal, whether it's reading a certain number of books (I also do reviews; see other posts), quitting smoking (c'mon... you KNOW you want that), losing weight (here's a link for some GREAT tips), whatever... choose wisely. Make sure it's one worthy of celebration when you achieve it. 

And, then DO IT! 

Good luck! 

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