Published January 1, 2015

The Resolution Collection

by Helen M. Ryan

Happy New Year!
Did you get out and break and sweat today, trying out your new resolutions? Or did you rebel like me, sleeping in for a change and having a leisurely breakfast? Either way is a great way to start a new year.

I don't make them. Instead I make "determinations" throughout the year, and review the year that passed on December 31

Whaaat? Well, for example, my "review" of last year is that it was partially really great and partially it really sucked. So my determination for 2015, based on that, is to work less on client projects, continue writing (I have two more books in the process - yay - but I have been far too busy to really make a dent in writing them), and learn to say "no" more.

I do too much for free and cheap (I am a graphic artist by trade), and I am going to stop that (except for a special nonprofit or two, whom I love to support in any way I can). I am also going to move ahead more with the nonprofit I founded but have not had time to really get off the ground.
2015 will be the "year of helping myself in order to help others." Because when I am mired in client work that makes me unhappy and stressed, I eat lots of sugary foods. When I am teaching Spinning, training clients, doing nonprofit "pro bono" work or writing, I am happier, have more energy and a desire to eat healthier foods and work out more. So my day-to-day work life affects my overall health more than one single resolution does.

But on that note - here are some articles I have written in the past on making and keeping your resolutions (see bottom of post)

There's nothing wrong with making a resolution - in fact, saying it out loud and writing it down can be very helpful. Just don't make resolutions that are impossible to keep (like vowing to run 10 miles a day and eat nothing but vegetables for a year if you hate to run and don't like vegetables.) Ya' know...small steps work best.

Don't forget to pick up a copy of my "21 Days to Change Your Body (and Your Life)" on Amazon.com or Barnesandnoble.com (or Audible or iTunes - the narrator for the audio version is fantastic).

The book will help you make small, reasonable changes that will affect your life and your health, both now and in the future. Can you believe it's been 11 years since I lost the 80+ pounds? And I have kept most of it off, too, with the exception of a few bumps along the way and about 20 pounds up or down. Life happens. I'm not perfect. I love chocolate.

Enjoy and happy new year!
~Helen
New Year, New You? Not Necessarily (written for Spinning.com)
5 Real Ways to Make Your Weight Loss Resolutions Stick
Sticking to New Years Weight Loss Resolutions
Keeping Weight Loss Resolutions - Part Two
Keeping Weight Loss Resolutions – The Beginning (Part One)