Re-Boot Your Resolution

Here's an idea: instead of trying to re-write your entire life come January 1, how about you pick one thing to focus on improving and improve it?

I know, I know, that sounds so not sexy. So not dramatic. So not resolute-y. And you're looking for BIG CHANGE. Insta-worthy change. "After picture"-change.

Here's some truth: you cannot un-do a year, 10 years, or 50 years of lifestyle choices that have lead you to where you are right now in a week, a month, or (probably) even two months.

Radical programs that convince you to overhaul your life in one great swoop fail for most people. Not because of the people but because of the program. I know, I know, the program you're doing isn't one of those - it's a "jump start," a "cleanse," a "re-set." And after it's over (7 days? 14 days? 30 days?) you will continue with all that you learned in your totally new body with your totally new mindset. Or you'll be throwing a lot of rotting kale and fennel out of the produce drawer cause you bought it but never, you know, got around to figuring out how to totally change your entire life while you were busy with work, with school(ing), with partnering, with parenting, with LIFE.

Here's some more truth: working on one goal, in small steps, will lead to big changes. Not in 30 days. No, sorry. But you'll see the start. And in 90 days? In 180 days? You'll see more and more. Little changes done consistently add up to big results. 10 minutes of walking a day = 30 hours of walking in 180 days. One extra serving of veggies a day = 180 extra servings of veggies. That’s a lot of kale (or fennel or spinach or mushrooms or whatever).

Here's more truth: you can keep some of those choices that give you pleasure (or comfort or joy) and make changes that move you toward your goal. We all have a few "non-negotiables" in our lives. I put heavy cream in my coffee. It's spectacularly delicious. It's a non-negotiable for me. And having those non-negotiables actually makes other changes easier. Any program that claims it is a "perfect eating plan" but denies you all pleasure is not perfect: it's restrictive and punitive. The perfect eating plan lets you keep your food joy - in fact, it should encourage you to embrace it. Finding joy in eating actually makes it easier to make choices that suit your goals. The perfect plan is you, just a little better.