January 2010  Newsletter

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you feel may be interested.

A very Happy New Year to youJ!

Wishing you all a very happy, peaceful and successful 2010.

This, of course, is a time were many of us make New Year resolutions. Studies show that people who make impulsive resolutions are less likely to stick to them. Resolutions can be a time of the year not only to try and “fix” the problems in your life, but also to try out a new way of being, a new activity or hobby, or a new attitude. How we view our resolution or goal setting can have a huge impact on success so try thinking of January as a chance to adopt a more positive lifestyle, not as the start of a period of denial or punishment. Seeing resolutions as a spring cleaning of the old and making room for fresh and new ideas, behaviours or activities aims to make them rewarding; and you will be more likely to stick with them.

Here are a few tips to help you make those resolutions last:

• As we are multi-faceted beings, ideally we should endeavour to create balance in all areas of our life. However, before deciding on a grand list of overwhelming resolutions, take a little time to write them down and number them on a scale of importance (for some losing weight may be number one and for others spending more time with their family or making time to study may be of greater meaning.). There are no rights or wrongs here; it’s about making goals that are meaningful and personal to you.
• Decide how many of your goals are achievable within the next 12 months. Be realistic!
• Look at each goal, and break it down into smaller, more manageable bits. For example, if you want to save R1 000, think about it in terms of saving perhaps a more manageable R100 per paycheque. Or if you want to lose 10kg, think of losing 500g to 1kg per week. This makes your goal less intimidating. Plan ahead and create strategies to deal with any problems and setbacks that may come up as you move towards your goal.
• Every time you get one step closer to your ultimate goal, praise yourself. Rewarding yourself for every positive step will help you have the confidence and determination you need to stay focused. Tracking your progress will help as well; the more you monitor and commend yourself, the more likely you are to succeed.
• Make a list of your goals and share them with a friend or loved one. Make a pact to help each other achieve those goals. You are now accountable to two people: yourself and the other person. You will also get a sense of satisfaction from helping your friend/loved one accomplish his or her goals, too. Having a support ‘team’ can help you when you feel discouraged or want to give up — they can offer you some encouragement and strength (and you can do likewise).
• Get excited with the possibilities of moving towards a new way of being! Focusing on the positive side of things will give you more energy and enthusiasm to pursue your resolutions. People who believe that they can succeed are more likely to do so. For example, praise yourself for losing 5kg, but don’t punish yourself for gaining one back. You will reach your goal more easily if you accentuate the positive. Don’t beat yourself up if occasionally you don’t accomplish the small goals you set for yourself, or if one day you feel you have completely messed up. Remind yourself that every day is a new day and an opportunity to try again.

And always remember, If you don’t succeed at first, don’t give up! Not many people are able to reach their goals on the first try. Try again! There’s no shame in not succeeding on a first try and although it may be a little discouraging, it doesn’t have to be an excuse to stop.

Kind regards

Lesley Wood

021-4182843

082 3 782 782

www.weight-masters.com

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"You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down."                     Mary Pickford      1893-1979, Actress and Producer

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