Five Steps To Help You Start Over

We have just begun a new year and most people have made goals they want to accomplish during 2014. When a new year comes in it seems like it's a good time to "start over" and begin to do something different or new. One of the most recognized goals people have is to get healthy and lose weight. I want to share with you 5 steps that I am implementing on my journey to living healthy; I hope these steps can help you on yours also.

The first step is making a choice. You have to choose to start this journey. This is important because by making a choice you recognize this journey will have ups and downs but you have decided to work through those. This step is more of an intentional way to have a positive mindset during the process.

The second step is to make a plan. Planning helps you to have specifics available that will help you to stay on track. By having a plan it can help to stop some of the "unknowns" from happening. I want to put a warning here. Please don't get stuck in the planning phase. It has happened to me; I planned and planned and didn't "do" (take action).

The third step is to start implementing your plan. You may start off with small steps but it is a step in the right direction. A small step could be to buy more vegetables and stop drinking soda. When implementing your plan be careful not to start off with unrealistic goals because you may over stretch yourself and get overwhelmed; this could possibly cause you to give up.

The fourth step is to find a system that will help you track your progress. One of the purposes of tracking your progress is so you can see and recognized your changes which will help keep you motivated on continuing your journey. Some of the systems you can use to help track your progress are My Fitness Pal, Weight Watchers, Spark People, your doctor, a weight loss clinic, etc..... Warning: Sometimes when you accomplish these goals you will want to reward yourself. I would not recommend you reward yourself with food. If your trying to stop overeating rewarding yourself with food can become a habit of eating every time something good happens.

The fifth step is very important; get an accountability partner or coach. During a portion of my journey I had a couple of friends I was accountable to but sometimes a friend can be very restrictive or too lenient. Unless you are led to be answerable to that person you may have to look outside your immediate circle of friends because sometimes friends or family may not understand your struggles. Now please don't get me wrong you NEED friends and family support during this process but they may not be the best accountability coach.

A bonus step is to find (seek) resources that will help you on your journey; be proactive! You can find these resources either online, through your circle of friends (relationships), or by another avenue. But remember your journey is your journey. No one can do it for you but if you need help please ask for it! Sharon

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Thanks again,  Sharon