The new year is a time for many things. Celebrating what you’ve accomplished throughout the year, appreciating everything that is important to you, and of course, planning for the new year. Making New Year’s resolutions is a tradition that many honor, coming up with a number of plans to be more successful, healthier, more organized and more! However, if you’re like many people, you find that your goals don’t last much past February (if they even make it that far). This year, do things differently to ensure that don’t last much past February (if they even make it that far). This year, do things differently to ensure that our resolutions are not just dreams, they are attainable goals that you will put the correct framework in place to reach. Read on for expert tips on turning those New Year’s resolutions into reality!
Popular Resolutions
It’s likely that one or more of your resolutions fall into one of the following categories:
Lose Weight After too many holiday parties with buffets, drinks and plenty of Christmas sweets, it’s no surprise that losing weight is on many people’s New Year’s resolutions list. Dave Kentopp with Anytime Fitness explains, “Probably the biggest reason that getting fit is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is because most people aren’t fit and they know they should be. Statistics don’t like. Two of every three adults in this country are overweight and one in three are obese. Most people now know what the positive aspects of getting in shape are…increased energy, strength, flexibility, self-esteem, happiness, feeling of well-being, disease prevention, mental alertness and more. They know they should do it and now is a good time to start.”
“Many people have put on all those extra pounds over the holidays,” Barb Johnson with Diet Center adds. “Those clothes that were too tight to begin with are really tight now and people realize they need to do something about it. Some people are also planning trips in the spring and know they need to start getting in shape now to prepare.”
New Year’s coincides with the fact that people typically have indulged themselves during the holidays and are now ready to “pay the piper.” This is also the time of year when people are less active outdoors and have more time on their hands to get into a routine workout program.
Be Healthier Most people, even if they do not need to lose weight, often make the resolution to be healthier. This could mean exercising more, eating better food, reducing stress or even adding vitamins to your daily regimen.
Run a Marathon or Half Marathon Running a marathon or a half marathon is a specific goal that usually falls under being healthier. However, some people who are already fit and healthy also have this as a resolutions. If running a marathon is on your list, it’s important to do the proper training and work with those who have experience in this area.
Stop Smoking Quitting bad habits is on many people’s resolution list. One of the top bad habits is smoking. If you are a smoker, this is the year to finally quit. It’s a difficult habit to break and one that will probably require the help of a professional if you are truly dedicated to this goal.
Learn Something New It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of doing the same thing over and over, so it’s not surprising that ‘learn something new’ is on many people’s lists at the new year. This could mean learning a new language, improving a skill they use at work, or even starting a new hobby. The problem many people run into with this goal is that they try to learning too many things at once, and end up not following through on any of them. If you want to learn something new this year, keep the list to one or two things (depending on how large the task is).
Get out of Debt Even though the economy is rebounding, money is still something that is on many people’s resolutions lists. Getting out of debt is a common money goal as no one enjoys paying hundreds of dollars in interest a year. They key to getting out of debt is to have a plan. Talk with a professional, such as an accountant, financial planner or coach, to get some tips on putting a plan into place so you can reduce or even eliminate your debt this year.
Spend More Time with Family As busy professionals, it’s easy to become focused on work and lose track of what’s really important in our lives—family. Spending more time with family is an admirable goal, but is certainly one that needs to be planned. What will you eliminate or reduce this year to make room for more family time? Perhaps you will decide to make rule that you cannot boot up your laptop or look at your smart phone in the evening until the kids are in bed, or you’ll decide you don’t really need to attend that after work networking event every week and will instead make that ‘family game night’. Make a plan and make sure your entire family is on board.
Be More Organized Not being organized can throw off nearly all of your other resolutions, so it’s an important one to focus on if you have problems in this year. If you are not organized, it’s easy for plans to fall by the wayside and for this year to end up just like last year. Get help being more organized this year, either from a professional organizer or a coach who can help you put a framework in place to achieve a more organized you.
Volunteer Volunteering can add a lot to your life, to your business and to your family. There are so many great causes out there that can desperately use any time, financial contributions or other help that you can give. If you don’t already have a cause that you volunteer for, 2012 is a great time to choose one. A few ideas is to join the board of a non-profit you believe in, to volunteer your time at a homeless shelter once or twice a month or to simply make it a goal to bring in clothes your kids have grown out of to an organization that distributes them to families in need.
Get a new job Do you have a job that you dread going to each day? Or perhaps you feel that you aren’t living up to your potential in your current job or want to change industries altogether. We spend half of our lives (and sometimes more) at our jobs and there is no reason you should be investing that much time and energy into something that you don’t enjoy or find fulfilling. If you don’t love your job, 2012 is the year to find something you DO love.
Invest in a New Look Although it may feel frivolous to some to make a resolution based solely on looks, but many of us know that looking great is not just about vanity. When we feel good about how we look, we feel good about ourselves. This boost in confidence makes us better in all arenas of our life, including family and career. This is the reason why losing weight is on so many people’s lists. Another goal that falls into this category is getting a new cut or color to help you start the new year in style. Outdated hairstyles make us look and feel older, frumpier and perhaps even like we don’t really take pride in our appearance. Make it a goal to get a new look this year and it just might give you the confidence you need to reach the other goals on your list.
What Holds Us Back
Why do so many people make the same resolutions year after year? It’s because they rarely achieve their goals, so it’s back on the list when the new year rolls around. Why do so many people fail when it comes to achieving their New Year resolutions?
“When it comes to getting in shape, good intentions are often not enough,” points out Dave Kentopp with Anytime Fitness. “People often start without having established a real goal to aim for or a program to guide them. Some people use the excuse that they are too busy. People who don’t have experience with working out and don’t get any guidance may feel overwhelmed, directionless or self-conscious in the gym.”
Getting in shape and losing shape is a slow process, which is why many people don’t stick with it. “It didn’t come on overnight and it won’t come off overnight,” says Barb Johnson with Diet Center. “People often get frustrated or lose interest.”
“Part of the human condition is that we experience worry, doubt and distractions, which use up our energy and keep us from putting energy toward what we truly want,” points out Nanette Gingery with Next Step Coaching. “We hold opinions and beliefs that, when examined, no longer are serving us well. Coaching raises awareness and helps us keep our focus on that which is important to us.”
Working with Those Who Can Help
Fitness and Nutrition Professionals
“If you make fitness a priority, scheduling should not be a problem,” says Dave Kentopp With Anytime Fitness. “Anytime Fitness is open 24-7-365 and has over 1700 locations for members to use, world-wide. We offer advice and a free orientation with a personal trainer to new members, to help them get started. Our locations provide a friendly, motivational atmosphere, where there is no intimidation. If you lack the will or the focus to maintain a workout regimen, you should consider getting further help from a trainer, who can design a program that you can manage and give you the motivation and tools to succeed. Also, it helps if you can work out with a partner, so you can motivate each other and hold each other accountable. In addition to personal training, Anytime Fitness offers a web-based tool, Anytimehealth.com, to help members organize their exercise program and diet to insure success. You can count calories and keep statistics on your personal site. This is available for free to Lincoln members.”
Losing weight and getting in shape is not just about exercise, though. Bethany Fulmer of Madonna ProActive states, “When it comes to improving fitness or boosting sports performance, nutrition plays an integral role. Just like skimping on a workout leaves you falling short of your goals, the same can happen when you leave nutrition out of the equation. You may be putting in extra hours at the gym, but if you are not fueling your body properly, you will likely not see the progress in overall fitness, weight loss, or muscle gains you are working towards.
The two most critical times to focus on nutrition are pre- and post-exercise. Proper nutrition at these times is what allows us to fuel up for exercise and aids in muscle recovery after exercise. When deciding what to eat prior to a workout, first consider how much time there will be between eating and the workout. This will determine the amount and type of food you will be able to tolerate and digest.
A good rule of thumb is to stay away from high fat, high fiber and high protein foods within 1-2 hours of your workout depending on how well you tolerate food before exercise. If you have 30 minutes or less before a workout, stick with low-fiber carbohydrates such as graham crackers or low-fiber dry cereal.
While for many the emphasis is on the pre-exercise fuel, post-exercise recovery is one element that people often forget. The 30 minutes after exercise is when your body best utilizes energy so it is important to eat a snack that consists of carbohydrates and protein during that window of time. Some examples of recovery snacks include yogurt with fruit, a granola bar that packs around 5-10 grams of protein, or skim chocolate milk. As you begin to experiment and discover the foods that you tolerate best, relish in this victory of unlocking the next step to achieving your personal health and fitness goals.”
Working with a nutritionist or diet consultant is a great way to get your eating on track. Barb Johnson with Diet Center states, “With our four unique programs, it fits each person’s lifestyle and they can cook and eat their own food. We also have programs designed for busy people who are always on the go. The program works if you follow it, and make sure you become accountable by coming in for your individual counseling.”
Having healthy options is always an important part of improving your nutrition. Many people get thrown off track when they are busy or don’t have time to cook. It’s easy to run through a drive through and grab a burger and fries, but fast food can often through your resolutions off track. Fortunately, there are quick, healthy options out there, even if you are going out to eat. Salads are generally a healthy choice, as long as you get the right kind (a few greens doused in high-calorie dressing and covered with bacon bits and croutons will be probably not be any more diet-friendly than a burger). One great way to make sure your salad is healthy is by creating your own, either at a salad bar or a restaurant such as Grateful Greens that allows you to build your own salad.
For some people, their resolutions go behind just getting in shape and focus on a specific goal: running the marathon or half marathon. For those individuals, especially those who have never done it before, it’s very important they work with the right people to train for the event.
“Maybe you witnessed the Lincoln Marathon last May and have thought long and hard about this and you are ready to commit to four months of training,” says Ann Ringlein with Lincoln Running Company. “Before you jump into this training full bore, there are some points to ponder and rules to follow.
First, commitment – training for a marathon takes commitment, not just involvement. There is a difference between being committed and being involved. To explain this in “Nebraskan” terms…if you had bacon and eggs for breakfast this morning, the chicken was involved but the pig was committed! It is easy, now, to say you are committed – your enthusiasm is high and your body feels fresh. Use this excitement and write that commitment down. Having your goals on paper seems to make them happen easier. Commit like the pig!
Secondly, tell everyone you know that you are running the Lincoln Marathon. Believe me, they will ask how the training is going often. Having others, whether they are runners or not, ask you about your training is a big motivator to get you out the door!
Third, find a friend, a group, or a marathon training class to join. Having a buddy, or buddies, helps the miles fly by! It is easy to lie in bed and skip your run when you are the only one to answer to, but when you know your training partner is going to meet you at 6:00 a.m. for a run, you will make it out of bed and get your run in. Being accountable to someone has its benefits in training.
Fourth, plan your training carefully. Remember its 18 weeks till the marathon from the first part of January – you have plenty of time to build those long runs. A long standing rule of thumb is 10% – only increase your weekly mileage by 10% each week and only do 10% of your mileage in speed work. You will feel as if you can do so much more at the beginning of this training, but be sure to hold yourself back. You want to be as anxious nine weeks into the training, and the week before the marathon, as you are the first three weeks of training. Depending on your time, and level of training, the distance of the long runs will vary. At least two runs of 20 miles are advisable, one or two more if possible. The last three weeks are for tapering, this is when we let our bodies heal and our minds get set. These three weeks are as important as the previous 15 weeks of hard training.
The marathon is a lofty goal, but definitely doable. Hopefully with these guidelines you can set yourself up for a successful marathon this spring and inspire a new runner to take part next year. That’s what it is all about – leading by example.”
Heidi Slaymaker with Body Innovations adds, “If you’re one of these individuals who has a goal to run the marathon or ½ marathon this year, here are a few tips to help you succeed. Train smart and do your research. Talk to a running veteran or check in with a local running club on what a good training program looks like. You should also invest in good shoes! Nothing will kill a runner’s drive and excitement like a beaten and broken body. Improper footwear can lead to injured ankles, knees, hips and a sore back. Make sure to have a professional fit you for your shoes and take their advice. The right shoe for you is not always the prettiest on the shelf! You should also find a good running buddy or group. These are the people who will help you get through those long runs on cold, dark, early mornings.”
Tailor
If you achieve your goal of weight loss, you should definitely celebrate! However, you are also then faced with a dilemma as it’s likely few of your clothes fit you correctly any longer. Although it would be nice to reward yourself by going out and buying a whole new wardrobe, why waste the clothes you’ve already spent money on? Instead, consider taking them to a tailor who can fit the clothes you already own to your newer, slimmer body. A tailor can also help you if you do decide to reward yourself with a new outfit and if the one you fall in love with is a tad bit too long or doesn’t fall quite right. You deserve to show off your new body that you’ve worked so hard for and a tailor can help make sure the clothes you wear are as flattering as possible.
Coaches
Business and life coaches can help you achieve a number of goals and, more importantly, help you focus on the goals that truly matter to you. Make sure you choose a coach who you feel comfortable with as the only way the coaching will truly work is if you are honest and willing to share personal information with your coach.
“I can work with a client to design action which will help them achieve their goals, whether it is a New Year’s resolution or a business goal,” states Nanette Gingery with Next Step Coaching. “I support clients in achieving their goals by helping them clarify their vision and keeping their focus and energy on the goal. As a coach, I use specific tools which draw from the client, who they truly are, and what is important to them. The process of coaching raises the client’s awareness and consciousness and enables them to overcome the obstacles in their way and move forward with confidence.”
Salons
If getting a new look is on your list, choose a salon and a stylist that will be able to help you come up with a look that is cutting edge and fashion-forward, but that still represents who you are and what you do. If you do not have a stylist you are loyal to, now is the time to find one. By always going to the same stylist, you develop a rapport (and probably a friendship). It will be easier to talk to a stylist you are comfortable with and give them your ideas, and it will also be easier for them to present new ideas to you. In addition, by seeing the same stylist on a regular basis, they can familiarize themselves with your hair and with your lifestyle. It’s nearly impossible for this to happen if you are constantly jumping around from stylist to stylist each time you need a cut or color.
Hypnotist
If you’ve never visited a hypnotist, 2012 might be the year to try it. A hypnotist can help you with a number of your resolutions, but the two they see most often are losing weight and stopping smoking.
“Dropping unwanted weight in 2012 can be simple if you use hypnosis,” says Jeff Martin with Lincoln Hypnosis. “Our weight loss program involves no prepackaged food, no outrageous or specific diet, just hypnosis motivation and a sound approach to eating and activity. We are confident that if you use this program, you can join the successful clients we have had and solve your weight problem. If you would like to shed some unwanted weight and meet your New Year’s goals, call to schedule your free screening.”
On the topic of stopping smoking, Jeff comments, “Are you tired of coughing, hacking and the stale smell of smoke? Achieve your New Year’s resolution to quit smoking using hypnosis! The Stop Smoking program at Lincoln Hypnosis presents you with a method to quit smoking now. Come in for a free screening and find out how other people just like you have made quitting a simple and stress-free process by using hypnosis. You know you need to quit smoking. Make 2012 the year you finally do it.”
Dentist
Part of being healthy is taking good care of your teeth. Though many of us are good about brushing our teeth on a regular basis, there is more to good oral health than just that.
Rusty Lewis with Lewis Family Dental suggests, “Make an appointment with your dentist for a thorough examination. Routine dental cleanings and examinations are the best way to make sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. You should also consider buying a toothbrush. If you have difficulty getting your teeth cleaned with a manual brush, switch to an electric toothbrush. You should also change out your brush every three months. Remember to floss daily. Flossing prevents gum disease and cavities between your teeth. If you don’t already, start brushing your teeth at least twice a day or even better, after every meal. Finally, if you use tobacco products of any kind, you should stop and remember to do your best to eat a healthy diet.”
Develop a good relationship with your dentist so you feel comfortable coming in on a regular basis and talk with him or her about any concerns you may have about your teeth or oral health.
Financial Planner
If getting your finances in order is one your resolution list, it’s very important that you work with a financial planner. Jason Peplinski with JP Financial Services offers the following advice:
Each new year brings the chance for a fresh start, and the opportunity to improve your financial picture. As you make financial resolutions for 2012, looking back at what happened last year can help you make some positive changes this year.
Automate your retirement savings
In 2011: The economic slowdown took its toll on retirement savings.
In 2012: While the economy–and its impact on financial markets–may be out of your hands, you can still look for ways to increase your retirement savings. First, determine whether you’re leaving any money on the table. If you participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan such as a 401(k) or a 403(b), contribute the maximum amount you can–particularly if your employer matches some or all of your contributions.
Contributing to an employer-sponsored retirement plan can help you save more consistently. Because your contributions are deducted automatically from your salary each pay period, you won’t be tempted to skip one now and then. And this year, why not resolve to steadily increase your retirement contributions? Your employer may allow you to sign up for automatic contribution increases based on a certain schedule or triggering event (e.g., annually or whenever your pay increases).
If you’re self-employed or contributing to a traditional or Roth IRA on your own, you can still automate your contributions by having money sent directly from a savings or checking account to your retirement account.
Plan ahead for a cash crunch
In 2011: According to the Federal Reserve, use of consumer credit rose in 2011 after falling for two straight years.
In 2012: If you’ve reigned in your spending but are still burdened by debt (especially credit card debt), your lack of emergency savings may be partly to blame. For example, even if you pay much more than your monthly minimum credit card payment, you’ll be caught in an endless cycle of debt unless you can avoid using your credit card for new expenses. Resolve to have at least three to six months of your living expenses set aside in a liquid account such as a savings or money market account so that you have cash on hand to pay for unexpected expenses (e.g., costly car or home repairs, large medical bills) instead of racking up new credit card debt and interest charges.
Review your investments
In 2011: Market volatility was the norm.
In 2012: You can’t control the market, but you can control your response to market volatility. Is your asset allocation still in line with your investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance? Is it time to rebalance your allocation in light of changing market conditions and/or your changing needs? Are you taking appropriate advantage of available investment products or offerings? Reviewing your portfolio periodically can help you stay on track.
Check your insurance coverage
In 2011: Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires were widespread.
In 2012: The federal government issued more disaster declarations in 2011 than in any other year on record, serving as a reminder that it’s important to review your property and casualty coverage to make sure you’re adequately protected. Is there coverage you really should have (e.g., personal umbrella liability, renters insurance, or flood protection), but don’t?
Update your estate plan
In 2011: New estate and gift tax laws took effect.
In 2012: Your estate plan should be reviewed in light of the changes made last year to estate and gift tax laws. Certain life events, such as changes in employment, family circumstances (marriages, divorces, births, illness or incapacity, and deaths), or even the valuation of your estate, may also affect your estate plan.
Working with a financial planner is a great way to get everything in order at the beginning of the year so you can begin moving toward your goals in the coming months. It’s vitally important to work with a planner who you trust and who you are comfortable with. Depending on the extent of your plans, you may be spending quite a bit of time talking with him or her throughout the year, so it should be someone you find easy to communicate with and who is responsive to your questions and your needs. If you aren’t currently working with a financial planner who fits this criteria, 2012 is the year to make a change!
Final Thoughts
As the year comes to a close, it’s important to take a look back at the last year, not only to see what changes you need to make, but also to reflect on what went well and which goals you were able to accomplish. Remember that if you did not accomplish as much as you wanted to last year, you’ll need to make changes this year to ensure you won’t be feeling the same way at the end of 2012. Do the proper research and planning that fits in with your goal, stay positive, encourage yourself and, most importantly, work with the professionals who can help turn your goals into reality.
“I encourage everyone to live your best life now and not let another year go by facing the experience of another unaccomplished resolution or goal,” says Nanette Gingery with Next Step Coaching. “Tap into the potential and power you possess today! Invest in yourself.”