Lifestyle Change

Every year for the last [insert number of years since I graduated high school here] years, I've set the same New Year's resolution again and again.  The same resolution that 99% of America, or at least American women, set every year.  The resolution that really just goes without saying.  

Well. This year I decided to succeed.  And succeeding I am.  To what do I owe my success? Well, to a changed perspective.   Over the Christmas holiday I had time to sit down with my stepmom--we'll call her Jamy--and talk about what it means to be healthy. I've had this conversation several times, but this time it finally sank in.  I'd been failing at my goal of getting into better shape in the past because I only thought of the change as some temporary, one-time only transformation.  Finally, I've swallowed the idea that what will really bring me success is lifestyle change.  And, it actually tastes really good.  

From Google:

[Lifestyle Change]: a process that takes time and requires support. Once you're ready to make a change, the difficult part is committing and following through. So do your research and make a plan that will prepare you for success. Careful planning means setting small goals and taking things one step at a time.

What my mindset lacked in the past was a realization that this is going to take time, that this is going to be a continual process throughout my life, and that this would require a S.M.A.R.T.E.R.* plan than ever before.  

I won't go into the details of my personal lifestyle change plan.  Because to be quite honest, that would be BORING and irrelevant.  But, I will say that this change has brought an increased level of happiness into my life, and for once in my life, I'm approaching this goal with excitement and enthusiasm, instead of begrudging and dread. 

*What is a S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goal? One that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-Focused, Time-bound, and involves follow-up Evaluation and Revision.