Whether 2010 was good or bad, it is now over, and 2011 has come roaring in. Time to dust off those old new year’s resolutions and revisit them one more time, right? Wrong. Albert Einstein once said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” So why repeat the same resolutions again only to be disappointed and frustrated? Let’s try a different approach. First of all, let’s consider what types of resolutions we can make and which ones are best suited to our lifestyles this year. Typically, most people try to make resolutions based on vague goals like “lose weight” or “eat better.” These are not goals, but should be looked at as the positive results of achieving specific, task-oriented goals. Tasks sound like chores, and therefore do not sound fun, but we can pick fun tasks that will keep the motivation for months and even years.

There are two types of task-oriented goals that make sense: general lifestyle changes and one-time goals. A general lifestyle change, for instance, would be to walk 30 minutes, three days a week. In order to successfully make a lifestyle change, it takes about 90 days of constant, conscious effort to make it stick to where it becomes an unconscious habit and part of a new, better lifestyle. One-time goals are usually never considered but can be very fun and stress-relieving, and if not, can still motivate you to achieve more goals when you’re done. An example would be to read a book. Once the book is read, your resolution is complete. This is so much less stressful than resolving to “read more books” this year and getting nothing done. So in considering resolutions for this year, make sure to first decide on lifestyle changes, one-time goals or a combination of both. Now let’s consider some ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

EATING AND DRINKING
Drink less soda. This is definitely a lifestyle resolution that is worth pursuing. Sodas have zero nutrients and therefore no health benefits. They are empty calories that spike insulin levels, corrode bone and add fat to the body. The best way to start is to just track how many sodas (regular, diet, with alcohol or otherwise) you drink each day for a week. Then resolve to drink one less can each day the next week, and repeat each week until you reach less than one can a day on average.

Drink more water. This lifestyle resolution can change your life. Proper water intake is needed for every cell in the body and can get rid of nagging pains. Track how many eight-ounce glasses of water you drink each day for a week and then increase the number by a glass a day until you are at a glass for every 15
pounds you weigh (for example, 10 eight-ounce glasses if you weigh 150 pounds).

Track food intake. Sometimes it is more important to know where you are rather than to figure out where to go. Most people think they eat well until they keep a food journal for a week. Record everything that passes your lips each day for an entire week as well as the time of day. Sharing this information with a nutritionist, chiropractor or naturopath can help you make sense of when and what you should be eating.

DECLUTTERING
Declutter one box or pile. This is an excellent one-time resolution to pursue early in the year. Do not be disappointed if much does not get thrown away. The organization that comes from this activity is a huge victory by itself. Going through multiple piles will eventually lead to keeping similar items in the same place, like sports equipment, clothes or memorabilia. However, be warned. The victory often leads to bouts of cleanliness and organization that can last for months.

Declutter one online account. As the years pass, we accumulate more electronic junk, often in the form of stored information on various online accounts. This is a great opportunity to pick one account like Facebook, email or contacts, and go through it with a fine-tooth comb, getting rid of or updating old information or files. Deleting or deactivating unused accounts is another great resolution and can reduce the risk of your online presence being hacked or abused. This is also a good opportunity to update passwords for the same reasons.

HEALTH
Get checked. A wonderful one-time resolution is to pick a type of doctor you have not been to in a while or may never have been to and ask them
to coach you on achieving health resolutions. Going to a medical doctor for an annual physical or a dentist or eye doctor for a checkup can prevent big health problems and save you money in the long run. Also consider a spinal and nervous system checkup with a chiropractor or a nutritional checkup with a naturopath.

Get tested. Get specific preventative testing – like a pap smear, mammographic ultrasound or bone density test – done on the appropriate schedules. Other tests that should be done for peace of mind are sexually-transmitted disease testing, nutrient and vitamin testing, allergy testing or a spinal scan. These tests,
often recommended by the doctor, are worth learning about. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own body.

Get a massage. This one definitely can relieve stress and involves some pampering. Find a good massage therapist that is trustworthy and works in a clean, professional establishment. Choose a gender that is most comfortable for you, and make an appointment for a great experience.

Resolutions can and should be fun, stress-relieving, motivational and ultimately, doable. There is no point in having a resolution that leads to no follow-through as this just creates more stress and disappointment. In 2011, choose your resolutions wisely and remember to have more fun and smile more this year.

This article was originally published in the January/February 2011 issue of Total Body Magazine and was written by Dr. Al Jameson, D.C. It is being reprinted with permission.