AskDrRachel.com

So, you've taken the first steps toward making your New Year's resolutions successful.  You remembered that a resolution was simply a first step in the process of changing your life.  You agreed to select a single resolution that would make the most impact in your life or health, to break that resolution down into a series of baby steps that you could tackle one at a time, and to find a friend or partner to whom you could be accountable and who could encourage you on the path.  In this blog post, I want to challenge you to create a plan to make your resolution work for you.

 Follow these steps before moving forward with your resolution:

• Commit. Be certain that you have made a clear and do-able resolution and that you are ready to commit to it.  If you are wishy-washy here, you will set yourself up for failure.  So, if you're not ready to tackle your eating habits yet, can you agree to exercise more instead?
• Consider. What do you need to make your resolution work?  A new pair of tennis shoes to start walking?  A pantry emptied of junk food?  Clearance or assistance from your doctor (important if you are deciding to exercise or stop certain unhealthy habits like smoking)?  Write these down - they are your first keys to success!  There are many internet resources to help you make your list.
• Prepare. Time for action!  Smokers: clean all of your smelly clothes, remove ashtrays, set up the house, workplace and car of a nonsmoker; Exercisers: create a drawer in your bedroom for "workout" clothes, even if they're your old sweats, buy the shoes if you need to, call the doctor to ask if it's okay to begin, and make a daily appointment on your calendar to improve your chances of doing it; "Dieters:" clean out your fridge, your pantry and your shelves, find healthy alternatives at your favorite restaurants or "light" versions of your favorite at-home meals; Everyone: find that support partner and let them know you're starting, find those resources online or in magazines to keep you informed and motivated.

Good luck!  In the next post, I will help you put your prepared plan into action.  Remember, I'd like to know what you would like to see in these articles.  You can let me know by contacting OU Physicians at 405-271-5067 or via email at april-sandefer@ouhsc.edu.

Dr. Franklin is a board certified family medicine specialist. Her areas of special interest include preventive health and wellness and women's and children's health. Her advice has been featured in outlets including The Learning Channel, Parents Magazine and FitPregnancy. For an appointment with Dr. Franklin or any of the OU Physicians Family Medicine physicians, call 405-271-4311