Journals can provide great personal support systems

Happy 2016. 

The first week of the new year is a time for resetting your mind and body. You have a clean slate to work with. Don’t worry about the past, focus on the now and future.  

Last week, I discussed resolutions and refocusing on a smaller more attainable goal that will ebb and flow with your life. Let’s re-assess how your week went. Did your goal seem to fit into your day to day routine or not? If it fit well and you were able to adjust accordingly to life’s challenges then keep up the good work. 

If not, then let’s go back to the drawing board. What needs to change or be more flexible in order for success to happen?

Perhaps this goal is still a good one, but you’re overthinking it and stopping yourself with negative thoughts. Take a moment right now in the middle of this column to stop and jot down on paper, phone or computer anything that comes to mind, positive and negative. It might even make you feel relieved to have it out of your head.  

Now that you had a week to test a few things out, you might have come up with a few questions or researched a few topics about fitness, healthy eating or even purchased a new product or two to assist in this new habit you have committed to. Besides executing the plan you have made for yourself, now what should you do to keep on moving forward.  

Ask a friend or family member to join you. Support is huge. Having another person to chat with, hang with, and even be active with can be a factor that contributes to success and enjoyment. You are going to have ups and downs, guaranteed. Find someone or a few people that you can use for support. We are not perfect at everything we do the first time. Having a solid base to come to for support during those rough patches can be the difference between quitting and persevering.  

Start a journal. Do not over think this one. Journaling can provide a great escape, support system, and feedback tool for everybody. You can write whatever you want, maybe it is more emotional, a spot to empty all the to-dos that are stuck up in your head, or a place to write your daily activity and progressions you have made.  Use it as a way to start fresh every night, morning or mid-day.  

You may be surprised at how useful little changes and additions will become once you start utilizing them. Remember that you are not alone in pursuing a goal. Goals may be different from person to person but with support, reflection, and positive thought you can achieve anything.

Liz Whalen is a personal trainer and health fitness specialist who lives and works in Libby. She also blogs at lizwhalenhfs.com