New Year's Resolutions anyone???

OK, so we are 5 days deep into a new year, no wait….a new decade in fact and people don't seem to be easing up on what we should be doing and our resolutions.

Normally I don’t do the whole New Year's Resolution bit because I believe we should always strive to better ourselves but to do it in a way where there is no pressure….in our own way and of course, when the time is right.

I have to say, this year is no different.

I see the term ‘New Year's Resolution’ as almost an excuse to do things in excess i.e. more over the Christmas season…think about it, the usual philosophy is: if I eat more then my New Years resolution can be to cut down- why???

My thing is, eat and enjoy, then gradually return to normality, incorporate some healthier options and as I said, opt to better yourself slowly (it lasts longer).

Those that decide to set New Year's resolutions often give up after a while because, they have not understood the reason why they feel they have to resolve to change something in the first place– Habit!

It all boils down to habit!

Habit is what makes us overeat, habit is what makes us over drink… habit is what also makes us continue to smoke, swear and NOT exercise!

To effectively change, we must deal with habits.

One habit at a time:

As changing habits can be hard, dealing with a habit at a time could prove more effective.
For example, if you always have a cigarette when you wake up in the morning, try and replace that cigarette with something else i.e. a 5 minute deep breathing exercise.

This will allow your mind to be focused on something else other than the fact you are not having a fag!

Keep this up and eventually (fingers crossed), your need to have a cigarette first thing in the morning should diminish!

Doubling up good habits:

Once you have your first good habit underway, try adding to it i.e. after your 5 minute breathing exercise in the morning, maybe incorporate some physical exercise into your morning regime.

This will not only make you feel better but you may find, the less you smoke – the easier and more enjoyable the exercise….all good pointers toward quitting smoking!

I think it is important to note, you must always put your new habit first until it becomes second nature.
Never allow anything else to come in the way as this may then become a habit!


As with any resolution or change, it is important to be realistic about your aim, outline how you intend to achieve your goal i.e. you are planning on eating less chocolate, ensure there is ample fruit available to counteract those hunger pangs!

You should be able to talk about your change with friends or family.
If your resolution was to go to the gym and get fit, talk about how fit you feel and of course how good you look!

This will help reinforce in your mind, how well you are doing.

You must reward yourself:

If you set yourself a goal, there must be points along the way that you acknowledge your progress.

My reward scheme is simple, every pound in weight I loose, buy a new pair of shoes!
JOKE!!!! But you get what I mean don’t you??? LOL

Finally, stick to the plan, keep trying and don’t beat yourself up if you lapse a little.

If you eat that bit of cake and you know you shouldn’t, don’t worry, ignore it and continue on with the healthy eating.
There are always set backs in life and during change, believe me, set backs come a dime a dozen!!

Looking back, that’s some pretty good advice don’t you think???

Don’t forget tonight, I will be discussing New Year's Resolutions and change on my show tonight…so check in at 9pm UK time by clicking the link: http://www.bangradio.fm/
or finding us at 103.6 FM (London wide)

Catch you soon x

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