How to Create Your Best Self in 2021

Sosan Hau, RD, CDE, TLS Director of Training

As we are counting down the days toward the end of 2020, it’s the time of the year that we want to start planning for the new year.  2020 will always be remembered as the most unpredictable and challenging year for a lot of us but it does not mean we cannot make 2021 better.   To move forward, we need to reflect on our past to learn from our experiences good or bad.  No one can predict or control the future, but we can certainly control our thoughts and take consistent actions.  To help you reflect on your year, here are some questions to ponder and to write down in your journal.

  1. What was the single biggest challenge I overcame?
  2. What were my most memorable moments?
  3. What were the best things that I learned that move me forward in my health, finances, and personal relationship?
  4. What was I most grateful for and why?
  5. What were the things I took for granted?
  6. What is one thing I changed in my lifestyle that improve my health physically and mentally?
  7. What is one barrier that I had to overcome to prioritize my health, if any?
  8. Who is my tribe to support me during the time of need?
  9. What was my goal this past year and did I achieve it? If yes, list them.  If not, why not?
  10. Did you do anything to prioritize your health and wellbeing on a daily basis? If so, please list them.

These are some questions to help you get started on reflecting on the past year in order for you to approach the new year with excitement and a concrete plan of action.  How do you set yourself up for success in the New year?  Many people start with good intention but fail to continue after 2-3 months.

Here are the tips to help you increase and maintain your new year resolution:

  1. Set S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) goals – think of WHY you are wanting to make the changes to your health and weight.  Is it for health?  Energy? Feeling good? Movement without pain? Playing with your children or grandchildren?
  2. Accountability system – find your tribe to keep you accountable, kick start with a challenge with a group of like-minded individuals. Join our 28 Days of Weight Loss kicking off at the end of the month. Stay tuned for more details.
  3. Have a support system – tell your loved ones your plan and suggested for them to join you as well. There is always something magical about doing it together with friends and family.
  4. Consistency – always remember it can take up to 30 days to form a new habit, so the key is patience and consistency.