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Posted Monday, November 29, 2010 by Jackie Morgan MacDougall

With Thanksgiving behind us and the holiday music in full swing, I have to admit something. This year, I don't even recognize myself. Somehow, I've been able to (so far) create a low-stress, highly meaningful season. Over the weekend, I pulled off Thanksgiving dinner for 9, got most of the the holiday decorations up and even got a chunk of shopping done in-store on Black Friday. I'm amazed at how good it feels to be pro-active this year instead of feeling like I'm trying to keep up with masses.

But that's not the only reason I don't recognize myself.

Last year, I got involved with an informercial for a national fitness company. For six weeks, I followed a strict diet and worked out harder than I had ever had in my entire life. I was insanely proud of myself and actually had tricep and quad muscles for the first time in... well, EVER.

But gallbladder surgery, stress eating and my share of red wine led me back to my comfortable somewhat-sendentary life. Gosh, I miss those tricep muscles!

So while today may be Cyber Monday for millions, for me, it's New Year's Day. Today, I resolve to treat my body the way it is meant to be treated, through diet, exercise and activity. But why am I beginning a whole month early? I'm so glad you asked.

Historically, people make resolutions and plan to begin January 1st. Maybe they want to lose weight, get out of debt or quit smoking... a few of the more popular choices. Before the new year hits, they spend the month of December digging themselves in an even deeper hole. The credit cards are maxed, faces are stuffed with foods they would never even touch any other time of year (Seriously, what's up with the fruit cakes?) and they give themselves carte blanche to behave badly until that magical day they begin to change their lives. Unfortunately, they just wake up the first of the year feeling worse, heavier than ever and carrying a lighter wallet.

With a 75% failure rate, New Year's resolutions often leave us feeling let down, defeated and even further from our goal. Kind of defeats the purpose, right? And who's the genius who decided that the day to begin changing our lives should happen when we're already feeling our worst, often exhausted and hungover? Sheesh. With almost five weeks before 2011 hits, I can be 30-40% closer to my 20 pound weight loss goal.

Why You Should Start NOW...

Higher self esteem Imagine waking up January 1st feeling empowered, motivated and proud that you've already begun to see results? You could be 5 pounds lighter...have less debt than you had expected or have cut a bad habit down by 50%.

Save money: Fitness clubs count on empty resolutions. They get more members but the gym only gets super crowded for a week or two. With demand high in the new year, they can pretty much charge what they want and still get hundreds of new members. With business slow in December, you might be able to negotiate a better rate.

But success doesn't come on its own. Follow these 7 tips to maximize results.

Believe it Sure, you may have your mom's hips or your dad's build... but do you really think that's keeping you from your goal? Say it with me: If I do it, it will work.  No matter the goal, hard work and consistency pay off. Period.

Be honest Are you really ready to make a change or are you under pressure from someone else or jumping on the bandwagon because someone else is?

Plan in advance Want to lose weight? What program will you follow? What's the best way to stop smoking? What are the steps to getting out of debt? These are all things you need to research in advance so you know what to expect. Being blindsided by the process is a sure way to send you back to your old ways.

Get support Whether you have a sister you can lean on, a neighbor with the same goal or have the cash for a life coach, find someone who can make you accountable. There's no excuse not to team up -- these days, there are online groups for everyone. (Psst: Try the Family.com community)

Cut yourself some slack Perfection is not possible, so don't even try. Accept that you'll have days that things will come more easily than others and that it's ok to slip every once in a while.

Create coping strategies There will be days that you will fail. What are you going to do when that happens? Coming up with a plan will empower you to jump right back in and keep you from abandoning your goals altogether.

Track progress It is said that when losing weight, those who write down what they eat lose considerably more than those who don't. It works for money too. A few bucks here and there for coffee can add up in the long run. Write it all down so you can look back and see where you're kicking butt and where you need a little help.

My own personal tip would be in the self-talk category. I have never succeeded at anything when doing it for negative reasons. For example, "I'm fat and need to lose weight" needs to be banished. Replace negative talk with more positive, empowering words. "I'm working toward being the strongest I've ever been" has been much more effective for me when getting back into an exercise routine. Talk about what you are doing and WILL do, not what you won't.

For me? I will avoid eating when I'm not hungry, limit my treats to a cheat meal every week and get my body moving as often as possible. What about you? Are you ready to make a change? Let's hear about it in the comments!


Jackie Morgan MacDougall is a TV-executive turned parenting blogger who lives a crazy life with her husband and three small kids. Her dreams of climbing the corporate ladder have been replaced by the dream of one day having a nap. You can find more of her musings at The Silver Whining.


Related Articles on Family.com:

Resolutions the Whole Family Will Keep

Before You Make Your Resolutions

Have Yourself a Budget-Friendly Christmas

Broken Resolutions? No Problem!