Don’t be deterred by Resolution Saboteurs

It is that time of year again. Gyms are packed, diet commercials dominate television, and many people are fired up and ready to make a change. It is no secret that New Year’s resolutions are often health-focused. Maybe 2014 is your year to lose weight, quit smoking, or be ready for that 5K race by spring. You might start with a bang in January and then a little “saboteur” comes knocking. According to TOPS Club, Inc.® (Take Off Pounds Sensibly®), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, that saboteur is different for everyone but often looks a lot like one of these: The “I-don’t-have-time” saboteur. The combination of work, family, and social commitments makes this one of the most popular saboteurs. People are busy period. However, ultimately, you make time for what you value most, and your health should be at the top of this list. The “all-or-nothing” saboteur. Having an all-or-nothing mentality can actually do more harm than good. Don’t get down on yourself for skipping a workout or eating a brownie. Instead, look back at your choices and decide what you can do differently next time around. Perfection is not possible or necessary. The “poor-pitiful-me” saboteur. Do you have a friend or spouse that can eat whatever he or she wants and not gain an ounce? Do you eat salmon and salads all week and still gain five pounds when you simply look at a piece of cheesecake?  If you have ever had a thought like this, you may have listened to your inner “poor-pitiful-me” saboteur. A little self-pity from time to time is only human. However, frequent feelings of self-pity and resentment can and will sabotage even the best resolve. It’s time to move from thoughts of “missing out” to thoughts of freedom, freedom from the foods and behaviors that ultimately only make us unhappier in the end. The “I’ll-do-it-tomorrow” saboteur. New Year’s resolutions and procrastination don’t mix. If something were truly important to you, why wouldn’t you want to get started right away? With New Year’s resolutions and life in general, slip-ups will happen and saboteurs may try to stand in the way of your goals. Just remember, a saboteur can only derail your efforts permanently if you allow it to. TOPS Club Inc.® (Take Off Pounds Sensibly®) is the original weight-loss support and wellness education organization. Founded more than 65 years ago, TOPS is the only nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss organization of its kind. TOPS promotes successful weight management with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy that combines support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise, and wellness information. To find a local chapter, view www.tops.org.