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, 3 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 that becomes 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 you’ve been meaning to read.  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 Resolutions

• Drink less sodas – 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 it reaches less than one can a day on average.
• Drink more water – This is another lifestyle resolution that can literally change your life.  Proper water intake is needed for every cell in the body and can get rid of nagging pains.  Track how many 8-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 8-ounce glasses if you weigh 150 pounds).
• Track food intake – Sometimes it is more important to know where you are rather than trying 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 for 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.

De-cluttering Resolutions

• De-clutter one box or pile – 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, memorabilia, etc.  However, be warned.  The victory often leads to bouts of cleanliness and organization that can last for months.
• De-clutter one online account – Another excellent one-time resolution that most people do not consider.  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 Resolutions

• Get checked – A wonderful one-time resolution is to pick a type of doctor you have not been to in a while or may have never been to and have them check you and coach you on achieving health resolutions.  Going to a medical doctor for an annual physical or a dentist or eye doctor for a check-up can prevent big health problems in the future and save you money in the long run.  Also consider a spinal and nervous system check-up with a chiropractor or a nutritional check-up with a naturopath.
• Get tested - Other great one-time resolutions include getting specific preventative testing done on the appropriate schedules like a pap smear, mammographic ultrasound, or bone density test.  Other tests that should be done for peace of mind are sexually-transmitted disease (STD) testing, nutrient and vitamin testing, allergy testing, or a spinal scan.  These tests are often recommended by the doctor anyways but are worth learning about.  Ultimately, you are responsible for your own body.
• Get a massage – A great one-time resolution that can definitely relieve stress and has health benefits is to get yourself pampered.  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 also resolve to have more fun and smile more this year.