Happy New Year. The beginning of a new year is a great time to make changes isn’t it? But how many times have you made resolutions and not been able to keep to them? So let’s make those resolutions stick this year.
Step 1 – Make it positive
The problem is that so many resolutions are framed as negatives: stop smoking, reduce alcohol, eat less chocolate. These would all be great changes to make to help you control menopause symptoms but it is hard to be motivated by a negative.
Start by thinking about what the positive outcome is that you want from the change that you are making. It could be that you want to:
- Feel healthier
- Have more energy
- Look great in my clothes
- Enjoy better moods
- Think straighter
- Feel more attractive
- Enjoy hearing compliments
- Save money
You decide what motivates you most.
Step 2 – Have a plan
Making changes takes a bit of planning. You may have woken up on 1st January determined to make the change but don’t get disheartened if you haven’t achieved it straight away. Think about the outcome that you have chosen from Step 1. Get a clear picture of your life with that goal achieved. Now think about the steps you can take to achieve that goal. What’s the first small thing you could today to get started? What will you do tomorrow, next week, next month and every month to achieve your goal? Write your plan down.
Step 3 – Make a commitment
You are more likely to achieve your goal if you make a commitment to yourself and others. You have started by writing out your plan. Now put your plan somewhere that you can see it every day. It would also be good to put next to it an image that represents your goal for example a picture of that dress you want to wear or the place you would like to go on holiday. Next, tell someone else about the change you are making. They can encourage you and increase your commitment.
Step 4 – Take action
Get started on your plan. As you achieve the milestones that you set out in your plan it will motivate you to keep going. But remember, one day when you do not stick to the plan doesn’t mean that it is all over. Learn from it and get going again. That goal is still waiting for you to achieve it.
Step 5 – Celebrate
You decided on this goal and the positive outcomes and you can celebrate every step that you take towards it. In the past celebrations may have been attached to the thing that you are changing but now you can celebrate in different ways. It might be that inner sense of satisfaction that you get or it could be that you call your friend and tell them what you have achieved. You might like to make a list of healthy treats that you can celebrate with.
Go on, make that change. You can do it.
Happy 2013!
