By Curtis Thill, M.D.
Each year many of us enthusiastically declare that this will be the year. This year we will embrace some kind of positive change. Oftentimes it’s a new focus on losing weight, toning up and getting fit, or even quitting smoking.
We positively resolve – make a resolution – to commit to these changes.
And then reality sets in. While making a resolution for positive change is a step in the right direction, by this time a pretty large number of people have probably jumped a bit off track.
Sound like someone you know? How can we pick things back up and get back on course?
Find a partner
A major key to success in making positive change is simply this: don’t go it alone. For some, this may seem to be counter intuitive. Sometimes we don’t like to ask for help. We try to make a significant change all by ourselves.
Then, after a great start, things get in the way. We might put exercise or diet off, citing time or stress challenges. As a physician practicing in southern Indiana for more than 30 years, I get it.
The truth? Change is a challenge. Our patterns are called habits for a reason. Changing or breaking one requires sustained effort.
The good news? If we find a supportive partner in our venture for change, our chances for success – both in the short- and long-term – go up.
We may be initially enthusiastic about slimming down and getting into a new exercise regime, but left to ourselves, we can lose motivation and start to put things off.
If we have a partner – a friend, mentor, spouse, family member, coach, or professional – they can help provide that extra emotional boost to keep going.
It’s important to find a partner who is supportive. Often times it’s a good match to find someone who has similar goals for change – you both want the same thing (for example, better fitness, losing weight, lower stress).
Sometimes we can tap a friend or family member to be an accountability partner. That’s a non-judgmental person who both helps remind and encourage us to keep our goal progress active and also to celebrate our wins and victories as we do make progress.
Small progress sets the pace
Don’t think you are getting anywhere? Much research has been done that shows that small levels of progress quickly add up. What some may regard as tiny changes in habits can soon become big changes.
Here’s a remarkable fact: if you can improve just one percent a day toward your goals, you’ll be likely be surprised at the big results you’ll see. Small positive choices may not seem like much at the time, but over time – actually within a relatively short time – those small positive choices can be bad habit busters. To make big gains, avoid small setbacks – keep focused on improving on a goal 1% a day.
Professional help
The idea of not going it alone is especially true when it comes to life issues that can benefit from professional help. If long dark days of emotional strain are troubling you, or if you feel stressed out or anxious much of the time, these are good issues to bring up with your medical provider.
You may have watched the news or read about the general state of mental health today. Many people could benefit from counseling with a professional. Untreated anxiety or depression could be directly contributed to weight or energy levels.
The key? Find a medical provider who can walk with you as you go through your life journey. There is no stigma in seeking help, and a true partner will help here.
For 2025, don’t go it alone. Surround yourself with people who encourage, challenge, and support you. Make small positive changes and change resolutions into reality!
A board-certified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has practiced medicine in southern Indiana for more than three decades.
Comments