HT FUTURE
In 2019, Rethink and Reframe Your New Year’s Resolutions
T
N COUNTY FAMILY YMCA
Along with singing “Auld Lang Syne” at the start of the New Year,
making resolutions is a tradition for millions of Americans. However,
while choosing a resolution can be easy, sticking to them is hard.
A YMCA survey found that less than a quarter of respondents kept
their resolutions. Many (71 percent) tried, but stated that they fell
short of their goals, while 40 percent confessed that gave up within
the first few months, even weeks, of the New Year!
While there is no “right way” to keep a resolution, the Gaston
County Family YMCA, is encouraging community members to give
their New Year’s resolutions a boost by:
n Start small. Break those big resolutions into small, achievable
goals. “’Getting healthy’ is too broad so reframe that big resolution
into smaller, more manageable goals. Instead of cutting chocolate
out of your diet for good, vow to only have it a few times a week.
Or trade your two sodas a day for one soda and a glass of water.
n Take it one step at a time. Trying to change too many habits
at once can easily lead to frustration. Instead of a New Year’s
resolution, make a new month resolution. Focus on that one change
for the month and add another (small) change when the new month
rolls around.
n Keep the faith. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Even though
you may experience some missteps throughout the day—or even
the week—that doesn’t mean you have to give up. Bad habits aren’t
created in a week, so try as you might, you can’t change them in a
week either.
n It’s all about attitude. It’s important to think about what you’re
gaining from a resolution rather than what you’re missing. This
can make a resolution feel more positive, and therefore more
achievable. For example, you may want to limit your screen time
in 2019, but that can be more manageable if you replace it with
something positive like volunteering or setting special time aside for
family.
n Talk it out. It’s easier to stick to your resolutions if you have
a partner or friend working toward similar goals. Team up with
someone to set your 2019 goals and help each other establish a
game plan dedicated to achieving them. Set specific check-ins to
help each other out of slumps and
to cheer each other during the high
points.
“Changing behaviors is a tough
task even for the most dedicated
and motivated people,” said
Josey Messer, Associate Executive
Director, Stowe Family YMCA. “The
new year is a great time to make changes, The
but it’s
important
to After
YMCA
offers
remember that any change takes time, and the type of resolution
you make plays is a huge factor in your success.”
Cost:
Sc
• School-based sites*:
Additionally, many people join a gym or other health facility to help
$48/week
for members
keep their resolutions. Just as making your resolutions
manageable
• join
YMCA
pick-up
contributes to success, the type of place you
is important
as sites*:
well. Make sure the facility you pick is the right $58/week
fit.
for members
* Schools
listed
in BOLD indicate D
“While we’d love everyone to join the Y, when
it comes
to adding
healthy behaviors like increasing physical activity, it’s important
Year
Round
Registration
to find a facility where you feel comfortable,
but also
keeps
you
You
have
the
option to registe
motivated,” added Messer. “Before committing to a membership,
Summer
take a tour of local gyms to find the best fit and
for 2014
you. Your
facility Camp. The w
should not be just a gym, but an environment
that Note:
offers more
Please
registration for t
health, more hope and more opportunity.”
See the list below to determ
For additional tips or to learn how to get involved with the Gaston
gastonymca.org or 704-865
County Family YMCA, visit gastonymca.org.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening
School-based
sites:
communities through youth development, healthy
living and social
responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage Brookside
22 million men,
women and children – regardless of age, income Carr
or background –
to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s
Park
health and well-being, and provide opportunities Gardner
to give back
and
Sherwood
support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000
communities, the Y
has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to
* Schools listed in BOLD indicate D
promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net
School-based sites:
Cherryville
School-based sites:
New Hope
Robinson
School-based sites:
Belmont Central
Lowell
Parent Teacher Magazine• Janaury/February 2019 • 3
Page Primary
Pinewood