Rosalee Brown

We are all experts at making resolutions, especially those famous ones at the start of a new year, a new administration, or that juncture where we decide that it is time to start over. And for those who are old enough, if the truth were told, we have been less than successful too often to repeat.

So, maybe it is time to look ourselves between the eyes and, although it is painful, admit that we can only manage one or so change for the year, although that may not sound so great. If we are honest with ourselves, we will agree that if we achieve this one change, instead of the planned 10, we are champions, since those 10 or so have been our resolutions for years.

Goal setting 101

1. Admit the painful truth concerning your eating habits and put in black and white the three most critical areas that need changing; painful to look at on paper, but just do it.

2. Now here comes the hard part; choose one, the one you can manage to change now. Yes, I know, as always we would prefer to change all three, but give in, choose only one.

3. Now get smart about this change. What exactly to the tee will you do? Honestly, is this possible or it is another wish? By how much will you reduce or add, when will you actually start, how often will you do this, how will you or somebody else know you are making this change?

4. Now that you have tried to make your goal smart, have another look at it. List some real challenges, based on previous experiences, that you will have and number the challenges starting with the most difficult to the least difficult.

5. Based on previous experience and new purpose, how do you propose to deal with these challenges this time around? Be specific according to the challenges and write them down.

6. Look at all of what you have on paper and be honest with yourself: Will this work? Is it any different from previous attempts? If the answer is, no, then you need to start from number two again.

7. If your answer is yes, then ask yourself this difficult question: "How convinced am I that I can really do it this time?" If you are not more than, say, 80 per cent convinced, then don't kid yourself, re-examine your goal and make it more realistic.

We will all attempt changes again this year; share with me your tips on your successes.

I wish you health and happiness.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.