News & Events
New Year's Resolutions
January 01, 2008
THIS YEAR I'M GOING TO....
Did you make a New Year's Resolution this year? Almost half of all American adults make one or more New Year's Resolutions each year. Some of the more common ones are; to lose weight, get fit, quit smoking, spend more time with the family, reduce stress and to get a better job. According to one set of statistics I read, 75% of us make it past the first week, 65% make it past the first month, but only 46% make it past the six month mark.
Why do so many people quit? A lot of never really believe that they can reach their goals, so they don't even try. And then there are others who don't know HOW to set a goal. I was taught that goals need to be SMART. That is:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Timely
Try writting your goals down. When I was working in sales, we were told to write a list of things we wanted to own or to accomplish within the next ten years. Since it was an exercise my manager wanted us to do, I didn't take it seriously. I put the list in a drawer and didn't think of it again. Just about ten years later, I was cleaning out the drawer (obviously I am not compulsive about neat drawers) and I found my list. I could not beleive that I owned almost everything item and achieved almost every personal and professional goal I had written on that list! Now, every January, I make a list of things I want to accomplish during the next 12 months. I look at the list often, and check off each item as I purchase it or complete the task such as repainting the downstairs bathroom. Some things take more than 12 months to complete, so, if they are still important to me, I transfer them to the next year's list. Try it. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Start today! Don't put off starting until you're "ready". If your resolution is to join a health club. Start today by calling several in your area to find out the cost of memberships and what each offers. Next week visit one or two to see if they offer what you need. The following week take a class. Don't put off until you are "ready" to commit to a full year or Yoga or Spinning because you may never be.
A Little Help From My Friends
It is alot easier to reach a goal when you have people to help you. This year, some of my friends have offered to make it easier for you to reach your goals by giving discounts on their services!
Polly Labbe is the owner of Hilltown Dance Stuido in Haydenville, MA. If your goal is to get more exercise but you hate traditional types of exercise, sign up for one or her ballroom dance classes. Ballroom dancing is a really FUN way to exercise. In addition, if you sign up with your spouse, you'll be spending some "quality time" together. Call Polly at 413-268-3181 for a schedule of her upcoming classes and don't forget to ask her how you can receive 10% off on your lessons!
John Hoime is the owner of Alternative Health, a natural approach to weight-loss, nutrition & general well being, with offices in Southwick and Northampton, MA and West Hartford, CT. John and his staff will work with you to help you achieve a healthier lifestyle if that is your goal. Call 800-322-6855 today to schedule a consultation. Bring a copy of this newsletter with you and recieve a 10% discount on all programs during the month of January.
Terry Tangredi is a Licensed Acupuncturist with offices in Hatfield, MA. If your goal is to be more active but you are hampered by chronic pain, or if you would like to stop smoking, Terry may be able to help. Call her at 413-247-3388 for an appointment. During the month of January 2008, she is offering 20% off the first visit.
Cathy Sargent,MA of LifeWorks Counseling also has offices in Hatfield, MA. Cathy is offering a free half hour consultation for people who would like to explore their goals and the best way to approach accomplishing them. To set up an appointment, call Cathy at 413-313-6066.
Don't procratinate because all of these offers are valid for the month of January, 2008 only. Make 2008 the year you keep your New Year's Resolution and make positive changes in your life!
Dates to remember
- 1st New Year's Day
- 3rd Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
- 12th Penguin Awareness Day
- 17th Customer Service Day
- 21st Squirrel Appreciation Day
- 25th Fun at Work Day
- 28th Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
