You can start by using a decision balance tool. List the benefits of staying the same, the benefits of changing, the disadvantages of staying the same and the disadvantages of changing.  Writing them down has a surprising power of bringing out your motivation to change or helps you identify exactly what it is that you have a true desire to change.  Sometimes the things we think we need to change are not the things that we actually will have the most success changing.

Start little.  Set SMART goals

Each week make smaller goals that are connected with your New Year’s resolution. For example, if your overall goal is the lose weight, a SMART goal might look like this:

• Make them Specific (I will attend the 6 am AMP class at the Basin Rec.)
• Make the goal Measurable (I will go twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.)
• Make the goal Attainable (That time will work because I can get back in time to get ready for work.)
• Make the goal Relevant (This is connected with my ultimate goal of losing weight.)
• Make the goal Timely (I will do it starting this Thursday, not next week.)

The more successes you build up with your little goals, the more likely you are to continue towards your ultimate goal and little setbacks won’t have as much power on you as they would without the little successes. 

One foot in front of the other is how you climb mountains!  Focus on the weekly goal rather than the ultimate goal to keep you positive and focused and maintain your steam.

Here are a couple ways to kick off the healthy New Year:

• Try an Intermountain Healthy Hike
• Cook up and Intermountain LiVe Well Recipes
• Park farther and win prizes

To learn more about the our Wellness Coaches at the LiVe Well Center and how they can help you achieve your goals, visit the website or call the LiVe Well Center at 435.333.3535.