How To Accomplish What You Want in 2020
Not just a New Year, but a new decade! Several people have mentioned that the year 2020 seems to hold some promise for good things to come. How can you make sure of it for yourself?
I have been thinking about this a lot for myself. I realized that I am most able to accomplish a goal when I do more than just set the goal. I have to make a plan to reach it.
For example, with a weight loss goal, the first thing is to identify exactly what changes are needed in your habits. Less alcohol, less sugar, less bread and pasta, less processed foods? Any of those changes should yield weight loss from lowered calories, as long as you only substitute healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
To make it work, write down all the times that foods you are trying to avoid come up suddenly. Think of work birthday parties, family celebrations, and spontaneous meals out, times of stress or fatigue or frustration when you want something nice. Then write down ways you can substitute a different food or activity. This way you have a game plan that will prevent you from having to make a last-minute decision that often begins with, “well, just this once.”
If food is a reward for you, write down other ways you can reward yourself in a non-caloric way. What do you really enjoy that gives you a special time? This is also a good strategy for your kids so they know other ways to have pleasure than sugary treats.
You may also want to plan a time when you can indulge yourself, such as a once a week treat that you can look forward to so that you don’t feel deprived all the time.
If fitness is your goal and you know you need to exercise more write down exactly how and when you will do that. Make agreements with friends and family members to exercise together. Hikes, walks, and nature outings are great family affairs for all ages. Set some milestones, such as distance, ability gained, or time spent so that you can chart your success.
If you are planning to take a class, write down the schedule to sign up and the schedule to attend. Career moves can also be planned on paper.
Somehow writing down plans just makes them stick better, and gives you something to refer back to if you get off schedule. And if you are over-scheduled you can even plan some time to take a break and take a breath.
Breaking it down into small steps can also help. Choose one of your goals and work on it for a month. Groove it in so it becomes a habit. Then find the next thing you want to improve.
Most success comes from reaching targets along the way. There is always something you can plan that will result in an improvement in an area of your life that you don’t have under your control. It may mean some rearrangement of your time, and energy expenditure, such as forgoing some television time to use in pursuit of your life plans. It can also mean getting more cooperation from the family so that tasks are distributed more equally.
Getting healthier, fitter, and having a better life isn’t difficult. There are so many possible small changes to make. If I can help you with your own plan, let me know. What would be the benefits of making those changes? That is personal and unique to you. We have more control over our health and our lives than we realize. If that is true for you, you are ready to take a step forward to a happier and more purposeful life, for yourself, and for the people and things you care about.
May 2020 be your boldest year ever!