Happy New Year! Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions, hoping to spark positive change. Chances are, more than a couple of the most common resolutions will look familiar to you: exercise more; lose weight; get organized; learn a new skill or hobby; live life to the fullest / have fun; save more / spend less money; quit smoking; spend more time with family and friends.
Or, you might have a resolution that is most important to you, but is not on that list.
How are you approaching the new year? Some years it’s easier than others to decide what you want to be different in the new year.
Here are some suggestions about how to approach resolutions any time of the year.
— Mentally prepare. Changing ingrained habits is no easy task, so, it is important to take a step back and get ready for that impending change.
— As you start thinking about the changes you want to implement, make sure to stay positive. Try not to make big/quick changes; change should be gradual. Build on smaller changes, and allow a little room for error.
— Makes goals that motivate you. You would be surprised how often people set goals that are not for themselves, they were dictated or coerced by a friend, spouse, or parental / peer pressure. While it’s nice to have some external support, if you don’t share the same passion, the resolution has a small chance of succeeding and could even be dead on arrival. Make sure the goal you set is important to you and only you and that there is value or benefit for you in achieving it. These two things will provide the reason and willingness to take action — also known as motivation!
— Limit resolutions to a manageable amount. A common mistake is having too many and spreading yourself too thin. Make a short list of resolutions that you can manage in the upcoming year. Then focus on your top priorities while balancing how much attention you can honestly devote to a resolution. It’s better to tackle one resolution well than multiple resolutions poorly.
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When it comes to resolutions, it’s easy to set bad goals that could lead to poor follow through. The SMART framework can help you craft better goals.
SMART goals are:
Specific (articulate the resolution as clearly as possible. For example, quitting smoking is better than “being healthy,” which can be interpreted in many ways).
Measurable (quantify your resolution if possible, i.e., I will lose 10% of my body weight or I will lose 10 pounds).
Attainable (choose a goal within the realm of possibility, yet challenging. Making 100 friends this year would be amazing, but probably pretty hard to do. On the other hand, making 10 new friends is doable).
Relevant (keep it relevant to your priorities and goals).
Time-sensitive (give yourself a time frame in which to achieve a goal; a deadline will instill some urgency and provide a time when you can celebrate your success).
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Here are a few other tips for working toward goals.
— Write them down, in a journal, an email to yourself, a digital note-taking tool or on a slip of paper taped to the wall.
— Share your goals with others. If no one else knows about them, they’re easy to forget about or ignore, and when you don’t achieve them, no one will notice or care. Look for a buddy to share and keep each other motivated.
— If you fall off track, get back on quick. Also, try to understand what lead to that moment, so you can avoid a similar situation in the future.
— Your resolution may be in an area where you lack progress, so don’t forget to savor the progress made. Those happy feelings are useful to keep you moving forward when you are feeling challenged. Even little steps are worth celebrating.
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If you want help tackling your resolution — probably on the list above — I hope you will consider joining one or more of these activities at the Dale Association, 33 Ontario St., Lockport.
Managing Your Arthritis: Beginning this month, two separate, six-week classes are starting, one on Tuesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. another on Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m. Come out and meet with others who want to learn and have fun doing so! Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended as low impact activities are a component of the class. Why not start off the year with new strategies to ease your arthritis symptoms? Call 716-433-1886 for details.
Physical Education for Seniors: Explore our playful side and come for 30 minutes of group exercise that is reminiscent of gym class. Starting January 10th at 11:30 a.m. and then the second and fourth Wednesday of the month following Memory Café we will engage in a friendly group exercise. Each session is different but will use pool noodles, balloons, hula hoops and bean bags in varying ways each time. On January 10th, we will play volleyball using pool noodles and balloons. This can be played seated or standing, based on participants. Call 716-433-1886 to sign up.
Cooking Club 3-2-1: In 30 minutes, make a meal for 2 in only 1 pan. Participants will work together to create a meal and then eat together. Supplies are provided. Call 716-433-1886 for details and cost info.
Chair exercise: This class is designed for people of all abilities and limitations. Participants gain strength, balance, endurance and camaraderie. Offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Pickleball: Mondays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Bring your sneakers.
Technology Assistance: Need assistance setting up your tablet or cell phone? Want to get an email address or join Facebook? Would you like to stream your church service? Get a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with Erin, any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays, by calling 716-433-1886. Remember to bring your electronic device with you.
Coffee Monday/Grounds for Discussion: Come out of the cold and enjoy some fresh brew and facilitated conversations with others. Gatherings are at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Mondays in the lounge.
Tacos and Trivia: The next Taco Tuesday is January 16th; there’s a taco bar for lunch and tantalizing trivia to test your knowledge. Reserve your place by January 15th by calling 716-433-1886.