KISS those resolutions good-bye

I hate to be cruel but, remember that New Year’s resolution? Or are you trying to forget it with another donut?
My neighbor Jeff grew so tired of the annual pattern of resolution failure and self-recrimination, he swore this year would be different and resolved to gain weight and lose more hair.

The start of a new year brings out the optimist in most of us. Fitness centers are full in January and February, and the consistent gym goers complain about “the resolutioners.” Sometimes the complaint is followed by, “Oh well, they will be gone by March.” Well March is nearly upon us, so how can you repair that resolution that’s – if you’re like most of us – already broken?
Experts advise us to make SMART goals, that is, Specific, Measureable, Action-based, Realistic and Time-based. If this great advice sounds too ambitious, let Jeff be your inspiration. Set KISS goals. You know what that stands for, right? Here are some of my favorites to revive your resolve.

• Go to bed earlier. You’ll get more rest, have more energy, eat less carbohydrate, and are more likely to exercise.
• Put a glass of ice water by your bed every night. You’ll drink more water and sleep better.
• Get organized in order to avoid unnecessary stress. Pack everything you’ll need for tomorrow’s workday tonight. Wake up fresh and prepared, and get to work fifteen minutes early. Less stress equals less belly fat.
• Don’t forget your lunch. If you pack a healthy lunch at home the night before, you will eat less fat, sodium, and calories, and you will eat when you’re hungry. Waiting until you’re starved and then going to a fast-food drive through will sap your energy.
• Soak up the sun to improve your mood, energy, and vitamin D level, boosting your immune system. Fifteen minutes a day, minimum, but wear sunscreen on your face.
• Leave work on time. If you work nine hours instead of eight, and spend your lunch hour at your desk, you probably won’t stop by the gym on your way home. More likely you’ll crash on the couch with a glass of wine and some potato chips. Instead of focusing on the negative, “I should not have those fatty, salty chips,” focus on the basic problem. “I need to save some energy for myself, and not spend it all on work or on others.”
• Plan for fun; it doesn’t just happen. A couple of “fun pockets” each week should be a minimum target. An exercise session with a buddy, lunch with a friend, a glass of wine after work all qualify if they involve smiles and laughter.

If you are having trouble sticking to an exercise routine, or finding the time to eat a better diet, following your own set of KISS goals will help. Identify what’s getting in your way. Why are you tired? What’s making you feel stressed? What is sucking up all your time? Is the source of the problem worth the price you’re paying? Can you work around the obstacle?

Keep it simple sweetheart, and give yourself credit for all you do accomplish. It’s like giving yourself a great big spring KISS.