A New Beginning…

Ringing in 2012 at midnight with party hats and glitter is a fun way to set an upbeat tone for the year. Celebrating the new year dates back to ancient Babylon; however, their new year probably began in the spring with the planting of crops. At the beginning of every year, about half of Americans will write down a list of goals for the next twelve months. Common resolutions including dieting, exercising more and smoking less. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to change our habits, and within one month, 40% of people will fail to keep their resolutions. One way to avoid breaking your resolution is to be specific. Rather than saying “I want to lose weight,” try setting a manageable goal for each month such as “lose 5 pounds by February 1^st.” Five pounds a month may not seem like progress towards your weight loss goal, but over the course of 12 months, that number adds up! In addition, having an accountability partner will help you keep to your goals. If you’re starting a new diet, ask your friend to check in on you and make sure you’re sticking to it. Or better yet, bring in a friend who will diet with you! Change isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. A new year is the perfect time for a fresh start, so take advantage of this opportunity to set your goals.