A new year presents an opportunity to start fresh. Whether you are considering bariatric surgery, have had bariatric surgery, or are just looking to live a healthier life, a new year is a great time to start.
Be thankful for what this last year has brought you. Even if it was not the year that you had planned, what is one thing that you can be grateful for? Did you try an activity that you have never done before? Did your health improve? Did you survive a hard year at work? Did you make new memories with a family member or friend? By recognizing things that you are thankful for, it allows you to be more cognizant of the small victories that you have achieved that are less recognized.
Make realistic goals. Making small goals that are achievable typically leads to more success rather than making larger and more far-fetched goals. By achieving small goals, it will give you the confidence to build off of those small goals to achieve bigger things. Start with daily or weekly goals instead of goals that you want to achieve this year.
Have others on your team. Share your goals with a close friend, family member, or surgery buddy. By sharing your goals with one another, this will build trust, create accountability, and there is a better chance you will want to achieve this goal so that you don’t let yourself or your partner down.
Celebrate small victories. Any positive change, whether big or small, is something to celebrate! Positive changes are steps in the right direction, even if you are not at your end goal yet. Setbacks in reaching your goal will happen. How you respond to those setbacks are what defines you as a person. Setbacks are not a reason to quit- they can be a driving force to recommit to your goals and make adjustments as necessary.
For more information on weight loss with Dr. Hart or Dr. Johnson at Atlanta Bariatrics, please call our office at 770-232-1871.
