New Year – New You?

Posted January 2, 2013 by Mandy Smith in

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution this year?  I did and usually do but this year’s is different.  Every year I make the resolution to lose weight and do better.  These seem easy but aren’t really measurable so can lead no where real quick.  This year I have set specific goals including increasing my water, fruit and vegetable intake and exercising regularly.  Here is a list of the top ten resolutions and ideas of how to make them stick.

1. Exercise regularly and eat healthy- in order for this goal to be accomplished set deadlines/markers in your results.  And don’t think you can lose 50 pounds in one week by exercise and eating well.  Just like gaining weight, lose weight does not happen quickly.  A reasonable goal is losing 1-2 pounds a week.

2. Drink less – many people will set the goal to drink less alcohol in the upcoming year.  If this is a goal you are wanting to accomplish check with local support groups and don’t put yourself in situations where you may feel pressured to drink.

3. Learn something new – this does sound like a great idea.  But we have to remember we aren’t as young as we used to be and we don’t learn on the same level we used to.  So when trying to learn a new musical instrument, language or anything else don’t be hard on yourself and never give up!

4. Quit smoking – this is a great resolution to have!  In order to accomplish this goal people remember this is going to be an on going process and it will not be easy.  Stick with it, you are worth it!  You may also find help with a support group, friends, family, patches, gum, etc.

5. Balance work with life – with this resolution the only way to really accomplish it, is to have a plan!  Whether its a plan of having Family Fun Day, Girls night out, or golf with the buddies monthly plan it now and stick with it.  Don’t let “priorities” get in the way of what’s really important in life (family and friends).

6. Volunteer – many people make the resolution that they will volunteer in the next year.  If this is your resolution, RCIL can always use volunteers! But also keep in mind how much time you really have available.  It is easier to add more hours later than to over-commit yourself and get burnt out.

7. Save money – wouldn’t it be great to save extra money this year?  I don’t think anyone would say no to that.  But how do you actually do it? Become a coupon-er, look for deals online, buy in bulk, buy used items, recycle items…  This is doable, you will need some time, a plan and put forth the effort.

8. Get organized – need some organization?  This can be done with items such as book cases, file folders, totes, planners, calendars, etc.  Or this can be done with changing the person’s habits.  If you are like me, my habit is to sit the mail down on the closest non-moving surface around.  Which later makes me have to clean up all the mail and go through it again to find the item I need.  So either I could become organized with a mail/sorting item or by always sitting the mail in the same place.

9. Read more – this resolution sounds wonderful but then when you try to you realize you have no time.  How do you make time to read?  How about on your lunch break, instead of watching TV or even during commercial breaks, before bed, in the bath tub.  The point is, if reading more is really something you want to do you’ll find the time to do it.

10. Finish the to-do list – have a few projects that you swore would be done by now?  Now is the time to set the action plan to make them happen. Then plan a day to work on these things, a day every few months if you have a lot of projects or a big project.

Almost all of the resolutions on this  list can be done by simply planning and putting forth the effort.  Most of the items are on-going projects that can’t be fixed with a snap of the fingers or it wouldn’t be your New Year’s Resolution.

Remember “Failing to plan is a plan to fail.”

Mandy Smith

Mandy has worked at RCIL since June of 2009. She is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and provides services in 32 counties to individuals who are blind or have low vision and are 55 years and older.

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New Year – New You?

By Mandy Smith | January 2, 2013

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution this year?  I did and usually do but this year’s is different.  Every year I make the resolution to lose weight and do better.  These seem easy but aren’t really measurable so can lead no where real quick.  This year I have set specific goals including increasing my water, fruit and vegetable intake…