Try These Short-Term Resolutions to Help Keep You On Track This New Year

Every new year, many of us set resolutions with the intention of achieving a healthier lifestyle. However, we often fall short of our goals, become bewildered by the expectations we've set for ourselves and ultimately give up on our resolutions.

Whether it's a new exercise routine or diet, this new year you may consider trying something a little different: short-term resolutions.

Setting Resolutions & Benefits of Short-Term Goals

When you begin setting resolutions, there are a few things to keep in mind. John Dockins, MD, FACS, with EvergreenHealth's Weight Loss & Bariatric Care, suggests following the SMART platform.

"SMART" is an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and within a realistic timeframe, to help ensure success:

• Specific: Make a simple, strategic goal and understand the "why" behind your goal
• Measurable: Make sure you are able to track your goal
• Achievable: Make sure your goal is realistic and achievable in a healthy manner; consider discussing your goals with your health care provider ahead of the new year
• Relevant: Aim for goals that are relevant to the healthier lifestyle you are looking to achieve
• Timeframe: Here you can set short-term milestones that may or may not be a part of a long-term journey

While you may be looking to hit a target weight or quit an unhealthy habit in the long-term, short-term resolutions can help give you the roadmap to reach that goal.

A short-term goal can be achieved in a day, a week or even a month, and the benefits of setting short-term goals include:

• Creating momentum for yourself
• Keeping you on track of your larger goals
• Boost your confidence by giving you small wins
• Discourage procrastination by giving you tighter deadlines

Having short-term goals can also help you adjust and pivot depending on your needs, perhaps you can run longer than you initially thought or you need to switch up your routine.

Short-Term Resolution Examples

Below are some short-term resolutions you or your loved ones may want to try to benefit your overall lifestyle.

• Dry January: Depending on your drinking habits, you may want to try giving up alcohol for the entire month of January. This can help feel more in control of your drinking, improve your sleep and improve your mental health. Discuss with your provider if dry January may benefit your health.
• Screen-Free Weekly: For the first few months of the year, try to set one hour a week during the day where you go completely screen free. You can take this time to speak with a loved one, read a book, explore a new hobby or exercise. To ensure you stay on track, mark the hour on your calendar and silence your devices.
• Homecooked Diet: If you're looking to eat healthier in the new year, try to increase the amount of cooking you do at home by setting weekly goals. This could be cooking your dinner at home once a week for the first two months of the year and then adding another day every two months afterward.

With short-term goals, you can achieve your new year's resolutions and feel much more in control of your health.