Ever zigged when you should have zagged?

Four Small Actions in Eight Steps

I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions. Hell, I’ve never been one to make a list of goals of any sort. But, having started and found success with Weight Watchers this year, and seeing how good it feels to set and achieve stated goals, I’ve decided to partake in this widely accepted annual tradition.

Step 1 — I joined the Anti-Resolution Revolution.

Step 2 — I pledged not to make vague resolutions and instead decided to take small actions in a few areas.

Step 3 — I targeted four of the five offered resolutions. (I don’t smoke.)

Step 4 — Instead of making a resolution to lose weight, I decided to put my fork down between bites. Most of us can eat a meal in under 10 minutes, and I usually eat one in less time than that, yet it takes our stomachs at least 20 minutes after we’re done eating to signal our brains that we’re no longer hungry. Slowing down my eating will give my stomach a chance to catch up to my brain. I don’t know how I got in the habit of eating so quickly, and I know I should savor each bite to mitigate overeating, but I struggle with slowing down. Setting down my fork should help. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Step 5 — Instead of making a resolution to reduce or manage stress, I decided to spend 10 minutes each day doing something creative. I know that expressing my creativity makes me forget about the voice in my head that reminds me of what I “should” be doing, what I could’ve done better that’s already done, other topics of worry, and that I’d rather be eating.  Turns out that creative expression also improves our overall sense of well-being and self-confidence, and  has a positive effect on the immune system too. Handy! I’m not sure what I’ll do (although I suspect I’ll over-think it, thereby negating some of the positive effects) but I look forward to it nonetheless. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Step 6 — Instead of making a resolution to save money, I decided to set a weekly spending limit on couple/family nice-to-haves. It’s far to easy for us to lose track of how much money we spend on events like dining out or going to the movies. By setting a limit on family entertainment, I expect us to become more aware of where that money goes and how much is spent. In addition, I hope this helps us to lead by example as parental role models for good financial habits. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Step 7 — Instead of making a resolution to spend more time with family, I decided to have us share what we’re looking forward to in the coming weekend at Monday’s or Tuesday’s dinner. The practice of looking forward to something helps create positive feelings about the future, and each person who shares at the table will benefit from thinking about it and saying it aloud. I have long been intrigued by the idea of a gratitude journal and the practice of talking about the best part of each day but never implemented either habit. This seems like a good way to ensure that we sit down to dinner, have something to talk about, and engender happy thoughts + togetherness. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Step 8 — I shared my list of small actions with you. Accountability, baby.