I Resolve…

When the last of the decorations are snug in their boxes, visions of changes dance in our heads! “Fifty-nine million people every year resolve to lose weight,” says Amy O’Connor of Prevention magazine. For others, the visions may be of better nutrition, more exercise (or starting to exercise!), quitting smoking, etc. In our daydream, we see our goal achieved. What happens between the vision and the reality? Robert Burns’ has said, “The best laid schemes of Mice and Men, oft go awry; and leave us nothing but grief and pain, for promised joy!” Our ACC therapist, Rebecca Lowry, shares some ideas on how to have some of those schemes succeed.

1. Consult the Creator. Rebecca points out that Philippians 4 offers a spiritual framework for our resolutions. Choose goals prayerfully (4:6). Choose goals thoughtfully (4:8-9). Rely on God’s provision to achieve what He calls you to do (4:13; 4:19). Psalm 37:23 says, “If the Lord delights in a man’s way, He makes his steps firm.” Begin your plan with Him.

2. Identify what changes you want to make and then educate yourself. This will help you to have an informed foundation. Never before has so much information been at our fingertips. Read a book; research on the internet; talk with others who have succeeded at similar goals; talk with professionals such as personal trainers, nutritionists, or healthcare practitioners.

3. “With information in hand, you can begin to set very specific and realistic goals,” Rebecca says. “Break your goals down into short and long-term ones. If you think about earning a college degree, it is done one year at a time, one semester at a time, and one course at a time. Working towards goals that are short-term, specific, and realistic will allow you to measure your success and eventually achieve your ultimate objective.”

4. Set up some kind of accountability. Choose someone who understands your goals and will be supportive. It may be a family member, a walking partner, a trainer at the gym, or a support group. We all need encouragement and making it part of your plan from the beginning will help you succeed.

5. Don’t forget the rewards! If you’re trying to loose weight, perhaps the treat shouldn’t be a whole bag of cookies. But when you reach a short-term goal, do something special to encourage yourself. This will also help you to focus on the positive rather than the negative.

What if you’ve tried all these things and it’s not working? Rebecca suggests it may be time to look beyond the behavior you are trying to change. “Sometimes an unhealthy behavior or an addiction provides an escape in an otherwise stress-filled life. These behaviors often provide protection from having to think about painful emotional issues in our life. A good question to ask yourself is, ‘If I were not engaging in this behavior, what would I be thinking about?’ You may need professional help in finding out and working through the answers to this question. With those answers comes emotional healing, resulting in permanent behavior changes.”

For information about groups at ACC which address issues of health, weight, and stress, please call 896-0065, ext. 203.