Many of us make resolutions regarding losing weight, quitting smoking and other sorts of self-improvement, yet a small 17% of those who resolve stay on-track through-out the year. Here are some pertinent pointers to keep yourself on target and in touch with your resolutions year-round:

• Never resolve not to do an unwanted behavior. Instead, plan to do something positive and preferably pleasurable.
  
  For example, resolving to totally avoid all cakes, cookies and candies will rarely work, but will lead to fantasizing about those foods and binging on them when they are available. I teach clients to savor small amounts of the foods they love and to stop before overeating. This takes away the danger of being in close proximity to these foods at parties, in the office and when visiting.
• Put the "fun factor" into everything you do. If part of your resolution includes exercise (and if weight loss is your goal, it should!) find a way to make it as pleasurable as possible. If you hate the baggy tee shirt you always wear to workout in, treat yourself to one in a flattering color or buy a discounted version of an outfit that at least you like!
• Schedule it in. Take out your appointment book, blackberry, or whatever and make a date with yourself to improve your life! Chose a time when you are likely to make it. Early in the morning works best for many of us for exercising, but if there is a gym on your way home from work and your hours are regular and that's your favorite time of day then "go for it".
• Build self-awareness. Understanding what aspects of yourself will help you to succeed or hinder you is key to success in weight loss and control. In focused work with individual clients, I help them look at ways to make their strategies more successful based on who they are, the families in which they were raised and the environments in which they live.
• Put more fun in your life! Food should be fun, but not your only pleasure. I work with many clients to achieve this goal and it's one of the few aspects of my work about which I am strict!

If you keep these suggestions in mind your resolutions may be easier to keep because you will find that it's what you want to do!

If you'd like more help in making this year your year of successful change, call 561-863-0091.