It’s that time of year again! Time to look inward and think about all the ways you can become a better person. Now that we’re in the new year, it’s time to take one last sip of alcohol, cut out caffeine, start arriving on-time, eliminate excess spending, and battle that bulge. Are you ready?

Yes! Yes, you are ready, of course you are. Who isn’t destined for success when beginning a sweeping life change in the middle of the night on a holiday? I don’t see any chance for misstep in that approach. Nope, none at all. Although…

Let’s just pretend for a moment that at the height of your celebrating you jotted down a few well intentioned resolutions on a cocktail napkin. The next morning your new resolve may lay crumpled in a ball just like the now soggy napkin. Get up anyway, and take a deep breath. A sweeping life change is not required nor recommended for making those resolutions stick. You just need to begin somewhere.

Last January I published a series of Nuts and Bolts for those beginning a weight loss journey. The steps are simple to implement. You can launch them on January 1st, 31st or a plain old Thursday. I highly recommend taking things slow. Get used to each change before adding the next one.

Here are 5 simple steps to get you started:

• Hydrate: Start downing that H2O. At the next opportunity get a water bottle you like and allow it to become an extension of your hand. Be creative and perk up your fluid with slices of citrus, cucumber, or mint. On chilly days brew up some tea. Hot or cold start sipping and your body will thank you. Read More…

• Eat More… Veggies: Fresh or frozen get in the habit of consuming 1/2 – 1 cup of vegetables with your meals and snacks. Vegetables are packed with natural vitamins and essential nutrients. They will boost your energy and the fiber will fill your tummy and help stave off cravings. Unless you have a specific need don’t worry about what is in each piece of produce just grab some in every color! Read More…

• Measure First: Learning what a portion of food actually looks like is tremendously helpful for building healthy food habits. Do your breakfast cereal bowls hold 2 or 4 cups? You may be consuming healthy food in unhealthy volumes. Measuring and weighing will help you see if you should be reducing (or increasing – see veggies above) your portion sizes. Read More…

• Use the Buddy System: Building a network of support is a great way to increase your personal success rate. Collect people who are already doing the things you want to be doing. Build your community deep and wide knowing that others will come and go while you continue on your journey. In business it is wise to complain up and praise down. Vent to those buddies who are established in their healthy progress and encourage those who begin with or after you. Read More…

• Don’t Quit! What could you achieve if failure didn’t exist? As far as I’m concerned there is no failure in a life journey. There are bumps, stumbles, “interesting” experiences, and detours but no failure. Success isn’t a life without set backs. Success is taking a deep breath and standing every time you get knocked down. It’s okay to pause and lick your wounds, but very soon after square your shoulders and plant that next step. Read More…

Keep in mind, you don’t need to know the outcome to begin this journey. Entering into a life change will cultivate a whole new relationship with yourself. I personally have never begun a relationship by mapping out a time line for when it will end. There is no reason to begin your journey to improved health and wellbeing that way either. Diets are short, can be painful, unpleasant, and anxiety causing. A life changing journey is full of wonder, success, discovery, and empowerment. I know which path I choose and there is room for everyone on this road.