Setting (and keeping) New Year's Resolutions

If you have set resolutions - or goals - in years past and have had challenges keeping them, read on.  You can achieve your dreams this year!

Goals need to be specific.  For example, if you want to eat more vegetables, how many servings do you want to average?  If you desire to sleep more, how many hours of rest will you get each night?  If you need to exercise more, how far will you walk each week?  One important goal I encourage you to make is to read the Bible each day.  Knowing God’s Word will encourage you and give you the right perspective as you become healthier.  To help you determine the details of your goals, choose both “outcome” goals and “behavior” goals.

An outcome goal is the result you want.  A behavior goal is an action you take to achieve the result.  For example, an outcome goal would be to lower your blood pressure to below 120/80.  A behavior goal would be to walk three miles each day.  You are in direct control of your behavior goals.  You are not in direct control of your outcome goals, especially the exact timeframe in which you accomplish them.  However, reaching for a challenging outcome makes changing behaviors more exciting!

Goals need to have a reason why.  Think about the purpose of your goals.  If you want to get stronger, ask yourself why?  What are the benefits to your life once you are stronger?  If you want to have more energy, ask yourself why?  What are the benefits to your life once you are more energetic?

Need more ideas for keeping your healthy goals?  Read Go Forward: 28 Days to Eat, Move, and Enjoy Life God's Way.  Order it here  https://www.createspace.com/5927179