Welcome to 2016, the year of commitment to self-improvement. While resolution is the word most often used when ringing in the New Year and establishing new goals for a healthier lifestyle, maybe we should actually be thinking in terms of commitment to our own wellness. Whatever your plans are for improvement in 2016, making the decision to be accountable to yourself places value on your goals. In other words, making a promise to yourself to honor your personal commitments may make you more likely to realize your intentions. It’s safe to say that many of us are guilty of making resolutions that may not be rational or achievable. In fact, statistics show that approximately 50% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, the excitement of the “new year, new me” determination dissipates almost as quickly as it appeared, as after only 7 days, 25% of us have already given up on ourselves.
When you truly value a real change, you’ll be more inclined to dedicate yourself to your goals. It must be something you truly desire to accomplish and not just an “I should,” as in “I should lose weight and I should exercise more.” Think of yourself as the self-confident CEO of your own health. Put yourself in charge to support the dedication that could change your mindset from resolution (good) to intention (better) to commitment (best). Accountability, which is critical to the goal setting process, can be thought of as a contract between your actions and your objectives.
Choose small attainable goals and be concise about what you would like to accomplish.
If your goal is to lose weight, settle on a specific number of pounds you can realistically lose in a set amount of time. For instance, setting a goal to lose 10 pounds in 6 months, rather than just desiring to lose some weight, makes you more likely to lose those 10 pounds. The same goes for exercise. Set a specific goal to determine which days of the week you will workout then stick with your plan until it becomes routine. Yes, life does get in the way some days and we are not perfect, but nothing will change without commitment. Losing weight and exercising is hard. Don’t give up on yourself and you will see the health benefits of your hard work. As success is the great motivator, celebrate minor achievements along the way to your ultimate goal.
Make yourself accountable to someone else, whether it’s a family member, a friend or a coworker.
Although the main idea here is to make a promise to yourself, to be your best self you need to honor your promises to everyone. With other people supporting you, you are less likely to give up on your goals. Write down your goals and share them and you will be more accountable to yourself and to others. When your reputation for honesty and accountability is on the line, you are more apt to keep your word.
Make success your priority.
It would be really great if simply wishing to accomplish something was enough to make it happen. Change requires a conscious effort to hold yourself accountable. Strive to make your new goals an everyday part of your life. Try implementing new or different ways to help you form healthier lifestyle habits. If your goal is to eat healthier, educate yourself about nutrition and meal planning. If your goal is to reduce stress, consider signing up for yoga or meditation classes or take a long walk each day. Need healthier sleep? Set up a nighttime routine that helps you wind down and gets you to bed at the same time each night. Remember, success is all about changing your mindset, and change must come from within. Be very clear about the changes you want to see happen.
Make 2016 your year of resolve, as making a true commitment to yourself can produce great results. The strength of your commitment is dependent upon having the conscious discipline to honor yourself. When you keep your commitments by persevering and putting in the necessary hard work, momentum begins to build and you are on your way toward success. Your ultimate accomplishment is a direct result of promises kept and trust in yourself. So, yes, go for it. Initiate those resolutions. And for the best possible outcomes, just be sure you are committed to keeping them.
References:
Keeping your commitments to yourself. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/small-social-systems/201011/keeping-your-commitments-yourself
The Power of Promises – How to Never Let Yourself Down Again. http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/blog/the-power-of-promises-how-to-never-let-yourself-down-agai/
4 Ways to Hold Yourself Accountable to Your Goals. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alicia/accountability-goals_b_7845608.html
5 Reasons Why Keeping Commitments Will Make You A Better Overall Person. http://elitedaily.com/life/stop-breaking-commitments/
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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