Mid-Year Resolution Check-In
Just like that, it’s already June. Remember that resolution you set back in January? If your answer is ‘yes’ and you’ve stuck to it, good on you! But, if your resolution has taken a backseat or you can’t even remember what it was, you’re not alone. If this sounds like you, don’t wait six more months for another resolution. Rather, set a meaningful goal that you can start working toward today.
Set Meaningful Goals
In order to follow through with any goal, you first need to identify its importance. Personal goals must hold personal importance. Losing weight because ‘society makes you feel like you should’ doesn’t hold personal value. However, losing 20 pounds because ‘you want to be healthier’ is a step in the right direction.
Self-Reflect
When setting a goal and identifying its importance, ask yourself ‘Why?’ Imagine you’re the person who wants to lose 20 pounds to achieve a healthier weight. Ask yourself why being a healthier weight matters. While answers along the lines of ‘it will appease my doctor’ or ‘my family will get off my back’ may be true, you need to find what matters to you. What will achieving a healthier weight do for you? Perhaps it will increase your self-esteem. Or maybe it will lower your cholesterol and decrease your risk of heart disease. Now, these hold personal meaning.
Dig Deeper
Keep asking yourself ‘Why?’ until you’ve determined your values. Imagine you want to lose weight to increase your self-esteem. Ask yourself why increased self-esteem is important to you. Maybe it will allow you to be more positive which, in turn, will allow you to give more to those around you.
If you want to lose weight to lower your cholesterol or blood glucose, ask yourself why it’s important to decrease your health risks. Maybe you’re family-oriented and it’s important you be here for your family as long as possible.
Are there places you want to travel? Mountains you want to hike? Activities you want to partake in, but your health prevents you from doing them? Whatever your reasoning is, challenge yourself to find it.
Examples Other Than Weight Loss
As a health professional, I am well aware that losing weight is only one of many possible goals. Whether or not weight loss pertains to you, take a look at these examples and see if you can relate to them.
Goal #1: I want to run a half marathon.
Why? Because I’ve never run that far before.
Why is running that far important? I’m goal oriented and I love trying and achieving new things.
Why is achieving new things important? When I step out of my comfort zone and achieve new goals, I feel like I can do anything. I like proving to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to.
Goal #2: I want to wake up earlier.
Why? Because I always feel rushed in the morning.
Why is it important you don’t feel rushed? When I’m rushed, I feel frantic which sets the tone for the rest of my day. I’m not the best version of myself and I feel like I don’t put forth my best efforts. As a result, I’m not productive. I really value productivity.
Goal #3: I want to eat healthier.
Why? I never have energy and I know my diet is a huge part of that.
Why is it important to have more energy? When I have energy, I exercise more.
Why is exercising important to you? I used to be an avid exerciser. I love the endorphins associated with exercise, and, if I’m being honest, how it makes me look. I know if I eat well, I will be able to exercise more which in turn will make me want to continue eating well. It’s a whole cycle really.
Keep Reminding Yourself
Whether you choose to share your goals or keep them private, it’s crucial you check up on yourself. It doesn’t need to be elaborate; try utilizing sticky notes! Jot down your goals and values and stick them where you’ll see them every day. Each time you see your note, read it with intention. The more you read your note, the more ingrained it will become in your daily thoughts. If you’re constantly telling yourself ‘I want to be healthy so I can be there for my grandchildren,’ your actions are bound to follow.
Challenge Yourself
Whether you’re currently working toward a goal or you think you may have one in mind, challenge yourself to find its true meaning. Ask yourself ‘Why?’ three times and see what answers you come up with. You may even learn something new about yourself. Happy goal setting!
