A typical scenario in January among those make a New Year's resolution to lose weight involves eating less, joining a gym, and looking forward to a great body some time in the future. The problem is that many New Year's resolutions fail a few weeks into the year, even those who felt highly motivated at the outset.
Timing, Stress, Punishment – Why New Years Resolutions Fail
January is cold, the mailbox is stuffed with bills from overspending, taxes loom, and everything that got shoved aside in the manic rush to be ready for the holidays needs immediate attention.
In short, stress levels are high, and deprivation is hard. Being too punitive without positive reinforcement along the way is one reason weight loss goals are abandoned. Eating a quart of Haagen Daz may be the next step, followed by giving up.
So, why not start in February or March, which could launch your efforts around the time that most others fail. And why wait to have a good body image? Start now.
Imaging and Pretending "As If"
One way to reach the goal is to pretend you’re already achieved it. As discussed by Martin Soorjoo in “ Develop Confidence By Acting As if,” pretending to feel more confident will actually make you feel you are more confident.
Similarly, imaging how you would dress, act, feel if you were already at your desired body weight, and pretending you are, can keep you on track. In the words of Oscar Wilde, "Illusion is the first of all pleasures."
Improving Body Image – Feel Beautiful Now
Here are some ways to help you feel strong and beautiful while you are reaching your goal:
- Ditch oversized, drab clothes in favor of bold colors, and clothes that highlight the best features of the body.
- Make your surroundings beautiful, smell delicious, buy a red handbag or new briefcase.
- Include Yoga or other meditational exercises along with physical exercise to find sources of inner strength and purpose.
- Engage in activities that reinforce positive self-image and self-worth. Eat somewhere new instead of the same old neighborhood diner.
- Be silly, do something outrageous, take on a new challenge (According to an Old English proverb: "Danger and delight grow from the same stalk"),
- Focus some attention on others who need help. Helping others is empowering.
- Experiment with new foods. Reward the palate with variety (within dietary restrictions).
- If you fall of the wagon, start again. It’s not about perfection. It’s persistence that matters.
In addition to the above recommendations, follow specific guidelines of Weight Watchers, credited with lifestyle changes that result in more long-term weight loss.
Many people will make losing weight their new years resolution this year. And more will fail than succeed. Instead of focusing on deprivation and a distant goal, act as if you are already at your desired body weight. Pretending to have the body image you visualize will help you make the image come true.
Other holiday-related articles include Best Christmas Gift for After Xmas along with Best Christmas Gifts for The Elderly.
RES101
Elizabeth Harrington - Poet, Freelance Writer, Marketing Research Professional, Blogger (www.allaboutqualitative.com)
