(or read the full magazine here) 

Why does everyone make a resolution?  Answer: Because tradition dictates that every year we should kick off the New Year by getting rid of bad habits and replacing them with a healthier lifestyle.

What are the most common New Years resolutions?  Answer: lose weight, manage debt, save more money, eat right, get a better job, get a better education, drink less, spend more time with family… Enjoy life. Get fit.

How many people make a resolution and how many keep it?  Answer: Almost everyone makes a resolution, too many to count. They either write it down, tell their friends, or mentally carry it around in their minds. Sadly, most everyone who makes a resolution only keeps it for 3 weeks. Less than 3 to 5 percent make it a life changing commitment.

I think people look at New Year resolutions more like a wish list.  I wish I could do this, but do you ask yourself, “How committed am I”? How much will I try, 100% or something less than what is needed to see results you want? If you waver on the answers you are not really Committed to make it a reality. When it gets tough instead of getting tougher and using Perseverance, you give up. Instead of taking responsibility and finding Self-Control, you blame it on something or someone else.  Instead of being honest with yourself and applying Integrity by asking yourself how hard am I really trying, you convince yourself that you are putting more effort into it than what you actually are. Instead of coming away from your effort finding Love for yourself for a job well done, you feel worse about yourself and so the pattern continues. Wow, what a way to beat yourself up. Let’s break the chain by using The 5 Living Principles of Well-Being. They are our conscious, our guide and the tools we need to succeed. They will help you reach your goals and dreams and replace defeat with pride.

What else do we need to do?  Answer:

1. Change the tape in your head – only make commitments you are ready, willing and able to complete.

2. Look in the mirror. The person you see should be the one you want to be.  If not, it’s time for action.

3. Take charge of your life because no one else can.

Uncompleted work stays sitting on a shelf (the shelf is our mind) uncompleted, until we take it down and purposely make it into what we first intended it to be. Once we do that, we feel we have accomplished something that is very important to us, and it helps us build upon that achievement (by planting it in our memory) that the next time it wouldn’t be so hard to get to the task and complete it. Yes, it isn’t easy but it also isn’t impossible. Our mind – when we let it – can so easily talk us out of most things instead of helping us put a plan together, focus, implement the plan and reap the reward we receive from a task well done.

If you are one of the millions of people who has already given up on your New Years Resolution here is a second chance to recommit. Think about the following tips that help you keep your solution this time. Make a few adjustments and don’t hesitate to jump back in and this time stick to it.

A guide to making your New Year Resolution a reality:

1. Set lower expectations: If you set your bar too high, you are doomed from the beginning. Instead of loosing 30 lbs set it for 20, something more realistic and attainable. Once you accomplish this you can then work on the next 10lbs.
2. Don’t overload: It is important to pick just one resolution to work on as overloading yourself by adding two or three can be overwhelming. Choose the most important issue you are facing today. Maybe it’s improving family or business relationships, or getting to the gym and beginning a workout practice to lose a few extra pounds.  Trying to do too much will impair your results.
3. Let everyone know:  You need to build a team of cheerleaders. Once you let someone know what you are planning to do, they will help support your efforts.  And you are more likely to stick to your commitment because you not only don’t want to disappoint yourself – more importantly, you don’t want to disappoint your cheerleaders.
4. Reward Yourself:  So, you are resolved to shop less and save money. Once you have saved at least half the amount you had planned, perhaps (within reason) reward yourself or your loved one with a nice dinner out. This will also help you continue down your inspirational path to saving money.
5. Time it right:  If the time isn’t right give yourself some leeway to start your commitment a little later than January 1^st. If you are traveling and you need to get the trip out of the way before you begin, do it. However, do not procrastinate!!  This is the #1 reason why most things never get done; they never get started. 

Remember it is never too late to do a resolution.  It doesn’t have to be New Years. It can be any month of the year and any time you feel strong enough to want to make your wish an accomplishment.

Life is always moving forward. Are you moving with it or are you being left behind? Be motivated to step forward, take control and make the changes in your life you want. And there is no time like right NOW…

Keep your head high and your spirits even higher; as your attitude says it all!!

Disclaimer and Notice: Always Consult Your Doctor Before Beginning Any Exercise Routine. The entire contents of this newsletter are based upon the opinions of SheaNetics and Shea Vaughn, unless otherwise noted. The information in this newsletter is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Shea Vaughn and her community. SheaNetics and Shea Vaughn encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. All rights reserved.

This time of year, most people think about shedding a few pounds, being healthier and feeling better about their choices. However, they need a coach, someone to give them some guidance, some encouragement and real answers to how they can stick to their Resolution.

The challenge is that you have to be serious about your Resolution and fully committed to see it through. Take charge of your life and accept the responsibility that you and only you can make it work. A commitment is a binding promise you make to yourself, it is a contract you sign with yourself that you intend to honor and it is a mental mindset that you will not fail. When it gets tough, you get tougher; you preserver despite of how difficult it may be for you. You check in everyday with yourself and ask yourself, how hard am I really trying? And be honest with yourself – is your effort 100%?

Remember, the reward is well worth the challenge. Honestly, you come away with a renewed feeling of confidence, of how it “feels” to succeed, and with it a feeling of love you never imagined and the knowledge that you have transformed your life. You have set an example for others, your family, your loved ones and yourself and now you can enjoy the benefits you wanted by making your wish a reality. How great is this? It’s amazing!!!

For the month of January I have committed to work with ABC TV-Ch7’s Windy City LIVE in Chicago to help three of their staffers, Jakki Richardson, David Plummer and Marlaine Selip, to slim down, and make a difference in the way they live their lives. You can view and follow the series on their website at windycitylive.com.

The 30-Day BREAKTHROUGH we are doing together is a powerful, self-nurturing lifestyle choice program that is sustainable and can help you change your life. Like any program you are thinking about trying, you should first consult your doctor and get permission before doing it. The 30-Day BREAKTHROUGH is not for everyone, there are a number of other programs you might want to consider. Choosing the right program for you is essential to your overall Well-Being.

Talking about Life-Style Programs, let me give you a few tips on eating healthy, increasing energy and sleeping peacefully through the night.

• Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods – You need more than 40 different nutrients for good health, and no single food supplies them all. Enjoy plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole gains.

• Maintain a healthy weight – Excess body fat increases your chances or high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer and other illnesses.

• Eat moderate portions – If you keep portion sizes reasonable, it’s easier to stay healthy

• Know your diet pitfalls – To improve your eating habits, you first have to know what’s wrong with them. Write them down and try to eliminate one at a time. Too many changes all at once can be overwhelming and not sustainable.

• Keep your blood cholesterol-levels in tack – Cholesterol- levels are influenced by family history, weight, age, smoking, physical activity and eating habits.

• Loss of energy can be caused by – depression, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, attitude, lack of human contact, dehydration, lack of sleep, allergies and more.

• Boost your energy – Eat a handful of mixed nuts, ( no peanuts) eat an apple with hummus, have a frozen smoothie with fruit and vegetables, laugh out loud, think of something that makes you smile, do something for someone else.

• Take a power nap – Do it in your chair, and keep it short 10 to 15 minutes

• Sleeping – go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

• Drink lots of water – Dehydration is a sinister cause of fatigue because it slowly creeps up on you. If you are already overly thirsty you are dehydrated.

• Avoid energy drinks – Energy drinks provide a near-instant hyperactivity boost, but they always result in a crash. Besides water is the best life choice.

• Eat more soluble fiber – Soluble fiber slows down the rate of absorption of sugar and prevents constipation. Eat a Pear!! • Quit smoking – Let me count the ways that it harms your health: Nicotine affects your sleep, skin, cells, lungs – what doesn’t it effect? Quitting is the #1 thing you need to give up to live a healthier lifestyle.

• Play to relax – Playing a game keeps your mind active, and reduces stress.

• Enjoy of cup of tea – You can reduce stress hormone levels by drinking a cup of herbal tea 4-6 times a day.

• Instant feel better – Stand up, stretch and take a deep breath. Stretch your arms, back, and neck then take a few deep breaths exhaling slowly.

• Energy saver – get organized so you don’t have to spend mental-time keeping track of where everything is. You get more done and feel better about yourself.

• Natural energy – Sex produces an endorphin rush, and will put some pep in your step.

 • Do something for yourself – Loosen up those tight muscles by having a massage. The more relaxed you are the more productive you are.

• Mental attitude – Look on the bright side of life and keep your energy up.

Things are going to happen but there is no sense in worrying beforehand and many times the reality was never worth the concern. Think positive. I know this is a lot to consider but don’t get overwhelmed. Just think of making a few changes and as they work add a few others. Little steps … and all in moderation, that’s what we need to focus on and the rest will happen.

Remember this is only January and you have all of 2012 to make you the best you ever.

I wish all of my friends an amazing and healthy new year!

Disclaimer and Notice: Always Consult Your Doctor Before Beginning Any Exercise Routine. The entire contents of this newsletter are based upon the opinions of SheaNetics and Shea Vaughn, unless otherwise noted. The information in this newsletter is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Shea Vaughn and her community. SheaNetics and Shea Vaughn encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. All rights reserved.

Shea Vaughn is wellness and exercise coach to WCL staffers Jakki Richardson, David Plummer and Marlaine Selip, helping them to kick off their 2012 resolution to lose weight and discover healthy habits that are lasting.  They will be doing the “30 Day Breakthrough” Program under Shea’s care.  See the First MCL Episode (below) or Click Here to go to the WCL Website…:

Always remember to consult a physician before starting any weight loss plan. 

(Courtesy of Windy City LIVE, ABC Ch 7 Chicago)

SheaNetics®

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