2019 is upon us and this is the time of year where we naturally review the past year and make resolutions for the new year.
You may want to get more sleep this year, or finally lose that twenty pounds that just keeps hanging around or stick to a budget and save some money.
Now, that you know what your goal is, let’s add a little meat to this and think about process. For example, your goal is to lose weight in 2019, which according to YouGov 2019 is #4 as a resolution, right behind save money #3, eat healthier #2, and exercise more #1.
According to most experts, including the Mayo Clinic, fad diets and other quick weight loss schemes are doomed for failure. What is important to success is to set a S.M.A.R.T. goal to achieve your desired weight loss (or any other desired goal you may have).
Specific • Measurable • Attainable • Relevant • Time-bound
Using this criterion, you can now set your goal to lose a specific amount of weight, that is realistic and achievable within the timeframe you planned.
But what if this year, instead of making a resolution that usually gets broken, you instead set your intention for achieving what you want.
As important as writing down your S.M.A.R.T. goal is setting your intention, which is really based on your “Why”. That is, why losing this specific amount of weight in this timeframe is so important to you. If it’s not important enough, in a meaningful way, you won’t achieve it.
If you have a bigger framework within which to achieve this, you are more likely to make your goal. That is what intention-setting is all about.
Let me show you what I mean. Sankalpa (Sanskrit: संकल्प) or an intention formed by the heart and mind is a solemn vow to yourself. This holistic resolve is a promise to honor yourself, just the way you are. It is not a judgment. So if losing weight is the goal, your intention could be to eat more mindfully, get more exercise daily, and reduce your stress, all of which lead to natural and gradual weight loss. So much better than judging yourself to be less than what you are and setting up your weight-loss goal as punishment.
What you have done by reframing your resolution is create an achievable goal which motivates you because it is rooted not just in will, but also in harmony with the body and mind. You have set your intention, in a meaningful and motivating way, that increases your chance of success.
I hope this helps you when you think about all the things you want to achieve in the new year. And, if you need help with your health and wellness-related goals, I am here to share with you what I know.
Best to you in 2019,