Broken the New Year’s resolution already?

Goal setting seems to have become part of our society, and as an example we have the universal date of January 1 for starting new goals. This all seems logical enough. Out with the old (year) and in with the new (year)! This does not apply to spouses! The new order will be brighter, better, smarter and even ‘lighter’!

Not that we shouldn’t set goals for ourselves, but a recent study showed that while 52 percent of participants in a Resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12 percent actually managed it! Men achieved their goal 22 percent more often when they engaged in goal setting using a system where small measurable goals are used (lose a kg a week, instead of saying “lose weight”), while women succeeded 10 percent more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends. (“This time I’m going to divorce that lazy slob, and you can have him.”)

New Year’s resolutions tend to follow a common pattern, so see if yours is in this list of the most popular:

• Lose Weight
• Pay Off Debt/s
• Save Money
• Get a Better Job
• Get Fit
• Eat Right
• Get a Better Education
• Drink less Alcohol
• Quit Smoking
• Reduce Stress

Now while those may be the most popular, they are not in the best order as far as your future health is concerned. If you are a smoker, Quit Smoking should be at the top of the list!

More smokers die of lung cancer than non-smokers, in fact more smokers get any cancer than non-smokers, and many other not-fun-to-get ailments that you don’t really want either.

Lose Weight should be right up there near the top. Obesity leads to orthopedic problems with worn out hips and knees, diabetes, high blood pressure, blocked coronary arteries and heart attacks, the list is endless …. do I need to go on?

Of course, the way to lose weight is to Eat Right and Get Fit, so the one resolution about losing weight will cover the diet and fitness ones.

All the best at keeping your New Year’s resolutions, and if you need any medical advice, the hospital will be happy to assist you.