Set a Successful Resolution Before the New Year

I have never been a big fan of New Year's Resolutions. I guess this is because most people don't keep them and I like to see people progress. In fact, 80% of resolutions aren't even followed by January 31st. "What prohibits people like me from maintaining a resolution?" you may ask. It could be a few things such as:

Your resolution is not specific. "I'm going to work out more" is not a specific goal if you're desiring to be in shape for spring break, yet you only going to start hitting the gym January 4th and spring break vacation is in March. Breaking down this resolution into a few easy steps can really keep you on track. For example: "I'm going to go to the gym at least four days a week and drink protein shakes instead of weeknight beers to get in shape for my spring break trip" is a more specific goal to set for yourself.

You're resolution isn't attainable and you know it. "I'm going to work out more" isn't attainable if you don't have a gym membership or know you're going to be working long hours the next few months, which will prohibit you from working out. You're blocking yourself from success because as you know, we're our own worst enemy. Discovering ways you can work out more regardless of your situation and uncovering your motivations for why you want to work out more can help you achieve your resolution.

Making sure your resolution is on a timeline, that your resolution can be monitored and is focused on an outcome are other keys to a successful resolution.

Nudge coaching can help you set and achieve your resolutions (and more!) throughout 2010.

Getting Prepared this Holiday Season: Excess isn't Progress

The holiday season officially starts with Thanksgiving. How can you overcome the stress?

Let's start with Thanksgiving and as the holidays progress, more helpful hints will become available. The stress first starts with the prototypical over-indulging on Thanksgiving Day. For many, this is a day of gluttony rather than being a day of thanks. As cooks stress over creating the perfect dinner, the rest of the family eagerly awaits the time to eat; laying around watching football while the bird cooks. Once the meal is served, everyone digs in and eats to the point of overeating. They may or may not give thanks but surely complain about how stuffed they are.

This is not in line with the holiday tradition of being thankful for what you have, regardless of how big your turkey is, if you have turkey at all! This Thanksgiving, whether you state your thanks to a group or just to yourself, be thankful for anything and everything you want to be thankful for. It could be as simple as the sweater you’re wearing, not overeating, or simply being thankful that you’re healthy or have the ability to see yourself in the mirror. Be thankful for all things in your life that bring you joy and you’ll feel like you’re celebrating the spirit of Thanksgiving when you're not discussing how much food you ate when you return to work. If you’re having difficulty finding simplicity and serenity in the chaos of the holidays or are on a mission to maintain your weight as you attend all of the upcoming holiday parties, maybe you need to nudge yourself to success.