To begin many of his lectures my friend and mentor, Zig Ziglar, used to ask, “Does anyone in attendance here today think that there is something you are doing right now that is hurting your health?” Of course most, if not all, would raise their hands. He would follow that by asking, “How many of you that raised your hands believe there is something you can do in the next year that will improve your health?” Again, most would raise their hands. Most people recognize it is possible to change behaviors and that change can have a positive effect on your health in the new year and beyond.
As many as 45% of Americans are off to a roaring start January 1st with New Year’s Resolutions, with most resolutions falling into the Health & Wellness category. These resolutions are often far too ambitious with no real plan in place for real success. According to research from the University of Scranton just 8% of people achieve their goals each year, with most resolutions abandoned by February.
Recognizing there is a need for change is an important first step, and I want to help you be part of that 8% who achieve their goals. Here are some guidelines to consider:
• Make small, attainable goals.
• Make a commitment. According to a study it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit.
• Positive self-talk. Beating yourself up for slipping is not helpful, just get back at it.
• Employ a support system and utilize supportive tools.
Starting with small, attainable goals is critical and I’d like to demonstrate how what might seem small to most can have a profound impact on your health. Let’s say a 200-pound person loses 5% body weight, or 10 pounds. That weight loss could improve blood lipids and blood sugar levels, relieve stress on the knees, increase energy, reduce sleep apnea and acid reflux/GERD, alleviate hypertension, decrease inflammation and the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. When combined with IDNutrition, the positive effect on health, that we just talked about, is now underway.
Aside from being attainable, specific and sufficiently challenging goals can also improve your chances for success. According to research, together these two principles can lead to higher performance. Instead of simply committing to losing weight, create a clear plan for how you are going to achieve your goal. For example: replacing sodas with unsweetened iced tea or Hydrate, drinking more water, walking the dog an extra half mile, taking a healthy lunch to work 3 days a week or getting on the scale every morning. Clarity around your goals will dramatically increase your chances for success.
Previously we’ve heard experts state that it takes 21 days to form a new habit but, according to a groundbreaking investigation led by a team at Cancer Research UK’s Health Behavior Research Centre at University College London, the average time is 66 days. The study found that 66 days led to behaviors that were performed automatically, without thought. It’s great to know there is evidence demonstrating that we can try something new for just over two months and kick-start lasting behavior change.
Do yourself a favor and become aware of your self-talk and avoid undermining your success through constant negative mental chatter. The messages you tell yourself all day long will either encourage and motivate you or limit you. You may have tried this resolution before and dropped it by February like most but it’s a new year and you are arming yourself with new information, a plan and the tools you need to see it through in 2019.
Perhaps one of the most important things to put in place to ensure a successful outcome is a solid support system. A buddy or group can make resolutions more fun but also create a level of accountability. It’s much easier to break a promise when you’re only answering to yourself. Surrounding yourself with positive people that pull you up and inspire you, rather than the negative Nellies that drag you down and drain you mentally and emotionally, can make all the difference in your success.
IDLife wants to partner with you in your New Year’s Resolution journey. Not only is there a terrific support system with countless magnificent, like-minded people looking to get healthy but also many tools to add to your arsenal that will increase your odds for success, providing you focus, energy, stamina, immune support, weight management and so much more along the way.
So, get to it and be ready before the countdown begins with a specific, attainable goal, your support system, a positive attitude and IDLife supportive tools: IDNutrition, Pre-Workout, Lean, Slim Plus, etc. Here’s to a Happy and Healthy New Year and to your joining the elite 8% in achieving your goals!
References:
1. Locke, E. A., Shaw, K. N., Saari, L. M., & Latham, G. P. (1981). Goal setting and task performance: 1969–1980. Psychological Bulletin, 90(1), 125-152.
2. How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. Lally P, Van Jaarsveld CHM, Potts HWW, Wardle J. University College London, London, UK. European Journal of Social Psychology Eur. J. Soc. Psychol. 40, 998–1009 (2010).
3. Most popular resolutions based on Google search terms. Compiled by iQuanti data-driven digital marketing company.