As the New Year begins and the Holiday hooplah has come to an end, we often sit back and reflect on the past year to determine what we can improve upon for the year ahead. Often times these resolutions focus on an aspect of weight loss. This could be focused on diet, exercise, or both. What we should really be focusing on is improving overall health and wellbeing. Now, if we can improve our health by making healthier nutrition choices and exercising more, then so be it. Improving your wellbeing can stem from the physical health aspect, but should also emphasize the importance of all Six Dimensions of Wellness.

These six dimensions, occupational, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional wellness all play an intricate part in our lives. The center of this circle should have ‘YOU’ in it because these are the aspects that make us whole. So, over the course of the year the goal should be to improve upon each dimension. This can be done in a variety of ways, but it is best to take it in pieces, don’t bite off more than you can chew. Here are 5 tips to help you fulfill your 2017 resolution.

1. Focus on one dimension at a time – It is easy to think of all the goals you want to accomplish for the year, but in reality if we take on too much at once, nothing gets accomplished. Write down 1-2 goals from each dimension and then prioritize. Pick the most important dimension then, pick 1 goal to focus on. Since there are 6 dimensions of wellness and 12 months in a year, use 2 months to improve upon each dimension.
2. Set short and long term goals. – When setting goals, the long term goal is the one at the top of the mountain, the one we are reaching and striving to achieve. Whether this be intellectual or physical, we must establish stepping stones to the main goal. For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, you must first lose 5, then 10, then eventually 20. If you want to read more, try reading for just 10 minutes, 3 times per week, then 10 minutes per day, and so on. You’ll be surprised at how many books you get through by reading in smaller pieces. Keep the long-term goal in mind, but create small rewards for achieving the short term goals to maintain motivation.
3. Make it attainable – Yes, dream big and push yourself, but it is also important to be realistic when setting goals in any dimension. If you’re focusing on improving your occupational wellness, it may take further education or training to get to where you want to be. Therefore, your first goal should be to complete the necessary training.
4. Find a friend to keep you accountable. – This friend can keep you motivated and support your resolution, and you can do the same in return. Even if your friend has different goals, find one that wants to improve upon each dimension so you can transition, build, and support each other. A journal can also keep you accountable, by tracking your progress throughout your resolutions.
5. Lastly, stay patient – Stay patient by focusing on what you can do daily to achieve your goal and rewarding yourself when you reach your short term and long term goals. We all want results fast and it is hard to be patient, but when it is this time next year, we will truly appreciate the resolutions we have fulfilled. This is the hardest part for me, so this will be one of my resolutions this year!

What are your resolutions?