There is a difference between New Year’s resolutions and a lifestyle change. There is nothing wrong with a New Year's resolution - you probably have good intentions. But the majority of us forget about those resolutions by the end of January. How do we make those positive changes last?
"We do have to take a step back and say what is it that will help us make those changes that are permanent, that really we can incorporate on a daily basis,” said Dr. Patricia Avila.
Dr. Avila says there are three basic steps to ensuring those lifestyle changes are permanent.
"You have to educate yourself, number one. What is it that you want to change - whether it's starting a walking program, eating better, perhaps looking for a new job as a lifestyle change. So you prepare yourself through education."
Second, it's not just a matter of saying out loud what you want to accomplish. No long term goal can be accomplished with thinking ahead.
"Come up with a plan. A plan that's very reasonable and realistic to achieve, small baby steps whether it's just adding one or two more vegetables a day to your diet or walking a little bit further each day in terms of your exercise program. So very realistic,” said Dr. Avila.
And the third step, according to the doctor, is giving yourself a support network that will see you through to your ultimate goal.
"That could be getting a health coach for example or setting up a class with a nutritionist or talking with your doctor. Some support system that holds you accountable, that may check in with you on a monthly basis,” said Dr. Avila.
Be forewarned - there will be those along the way who question your commitment to a new lifestyle.
"Sometimes they mean well, but you've got to take a step back and say let me get back to my support team. They're giving me the positive structure,” said Dr. Avila.
Good luck on your new year's resolutions, or should we say, your lifestyle change.
