by Joyce Marter, LCPC

As the New Year approaches, it is a good time to reevaluate your life and make some resolutions or set some goals for the coming year.

Use the Circle of Life tool below, created by UB friend and nutritionist, Mishra Keller of Nutrisults. Identify the areas in your life that are off balance.

This exercise will help you to discover which primary foods you are missing the most.
The Circle of Life has 12 sections. Look at each section and place a dot on the line marking how satisfied you are with each area of your life. A dot placed at the center of the circle or close to the middle indicates dissatisfaction, while a dot placed on the periphery indicates ultimate happiness.

When you have placed a dot on each of the lines, connect the dots to see your circle of life.

You will have a clear visual of any imbalances in primary food and a starting point for determining where you may wish to spend more time and energy to create balance and joy in your life.

After completing the circle of life, pick the top three categories that need attention. Then, set some a goal in each category that is SMART:

Specific (“I want to save $1000”, rather than “I want to improve my finances.”)

Measurable (“I want to exercise at least twice per week”, rather than “I want to get in shape.”)

Achievable (“I want to fit in my jeans from last year” rather than “I want to be the size I was when I was 16.”)

Reasonable (“I want to take guitar lessons” rather than “I want to be a rock star.”)

Timely (“I want to clean out my closet this week” rather than “I will organize the house this year.”)

When possible, make your goals positive (starting a healthy behavior) rather than negative (stopping a negative behavior.)

For example: “go on a date at least once a month” rather than “stop isolating.” Or: “Allow myself to buy $150 clothes once a month” rather than “Stop over shopping.”

Many people forget about their resolutions after about the third week of January. In order to stick to your resolutions, get some support and accountability by doing the following:

• Set reminders of your goals in your calendar with daily, weekly or monthly reminders

• Enlist the support of family and friends—let them know your goals and ask them to check in with you. Seek people in your support network with similar goals and provide each other with support and accountability.

• Seek professional support through a personal trainer, financial planner, nutritionist or therapist depending on the areas of your life that you will be focusing on this year.

• If you fall of the wagon, hop back on. It is easy to fall back into old behaviors. Many of us drop off on our resolutions over time and then start negative thinking and self-sabotaging behaviors that prevent us from getting back on track. Let go of the past and focus on today. Forgive yourself for getting off track, think positively and get back to your goals.

Take it one day at a time. Focus on the present and let go of the past. Each day is a building block to the new you. We are all works in progress, Taking an inventory of your life each year and setting goals to move forward is a way to continue to grow and develop throughout our lives.

Happy New Year From UB Staff!