Happy New Year! Your Best is Yet to Come! Written Goals in Six Easy Steps Research has revealed that people have more difficulty setting goals than they do accomplishing them once they are set. The hardest part is sitting down and actually thinking about what you want to do with your life. The fact is, many of us have difficulty with finding time just for thinking and planning our lives. A start is to assess where you are, assess your abilities and talents, where you want to go and why you want to go there. To get where you want to go you need a map, a plan! I cannot imagine anyone planning a trip to a distant location, where they have never traveled without a map! The same holds true for achieving life goals, you need a written plan to navigate you to your desired destinations. Goals are not just for professional people, but for everyone who dares to dream of a better life. With the dawn of the new year, I want to encourage those of you who do not set goals and write them down; make this year your year to do so. A written plan is crucial to achieving your Big dreams of starting or expanding a business, starting or finishing school, becoming financial free, losing unwanted pounds, becoming healthier and fit or but not least, to become a better person. Here are 6 easy steps to achieving your goals: (1) Visualize the end from the beginning. In other words, plan the end before you start. Stephen Covey states:" Begin with the end in mind". A successful weight loss tip I have personally used to lose pounds and recommend to my clients, is to purchase the smaller size dress or pants they desire to wear (the smaller size may be in your closet), place them where they can see them each morning. This technique works in conjunction with following a healthy fitness routine and eating plans. (2) Goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. An example of a SMART goal: Lose 30 pounds of body fat, not muscles, by July 1, 2018. This will be accomplished by incorporating exercise and following a healthy eating plan. (3) Plan and write goals in 6 areas of life: Spiritual, Relationships, Financial and Career, Physical and Health, Social and Cultural, Mental and Educational. Setting goals in each area will ensure a more balanced life. (4) Plan and write your goals in the positive instead of the negative. The more positive the goal the more positive the results. (5) Make sure your goals are high enough. Dream Big! Shoot for the stars! (6) Write down your goals, this is the most important step. Written goals create the roadmap to your success. Don't just write them down and tuck them away. Your goals should be reviewed frequently. The more focused you are on your goals, the more likely you are to accomplish them. A favorite Bible verse of mine is, "Man plans his ways, but God does the execution". But note, man must plan! Your plans should be well thought out and the next step is to write them down. Your best is yet to come! To Your Health and Happiness in the New Year!

Tips for Controlling Stress During the Holidays

With Christmas and New Year’s being right around the corner and Black Friday a few days past, it’s time to keep check on your stress. There has been a long-standing myth that suicide rates increase over the holiday season. According to the Mayo Clinic this is completely false. What is true is that the rates of depression and stress do increase.

Here are six tips to help you control stress during this season:

1. Plan Ahead. Write down all of the things you need to do so that you can prioritize the things that are most important. You will also be less likely to forget something if you have a list.
2. Put Yourself First. With such a huge focus during the holidays on giving, it can be easy to forget to give back to yourself. Taking care of yourself will improve your mood and make it easier for you to take care of others. Set aside some time to do things you enjoy. Find time to exercise, plan a dinner out, or just get a few minutes of fresh air. And don’t forget the importance of a regular good night’s sleep.
3. Learn to Say No. Avoid doing too much. Fatigue from taking on too much can dampen your spirit. Say yes, to spending more time with family and friends. Celebrate the season with the joy of giving time.
4. Don’t Overspend! Create a reasonable budget and stick to it. It’s not about the presents, it’s about His presence; Christ coming to Earth for the salvation of those who choose to believe.
5. Exercise and Indulge in moderation. It’s normal to eat more during the holidays, but be aware of how certain foods effect your mood. If you eat excess fats and sweets you will have less energy. Take a walk before and/or after a big holiday meal. Exercise and other types of physical activity stimulate the production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are brain chemicals that function as a natural painkiller. They can trigger a positive feeling in the body, boosting mood and reducing feelings of anxiety and stress. 

Understandably, you might be busy and have little time for physical activity during the holidays. However, it doesn't take much time to maintain a calm mental state. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a minimum of three times each week. Find an activity that works for you and your lifestyle. You may want to consider: walking, jogging, biking, playing sports, strength training and aerobics.

6. Learn Forgiveness and Acceptance. You can choose your friends, but not your relatives!

If some of your relatives have always acted out or made you feel bad, chances are that won’t change. If you know what you are getting into, it will be easier not to let them push your buttons. If things get uncomfortable go to a movie or for a drive and adjust your attitude.

 

May this season bring you much joy and love, and may the true meaning of the season touch your heart!

To Your Health and Happiness,