This article was co-written by Cristie Gardner.
If you have in your possession your most recent list of resolutions for the New Year, and it’s pretty much a repeat of all the years prior to this one, this message is for you. It’s time to really, truly make some significant changes, and we’re going to share with you some time-proven secrets so that you can literally make this your healthiest year ever. What’s more, you’ll be able to apply these principles to other aspects of your life besides your health.
Ready?
1. Imagine
First of all, you need to use your imagination.
Imagination is the tool that our Heavenly Father has given to us to utilize our divine ability to create. All that you see around you is the result of imagination. When we imagine something, we envision a result; we make the vision of what we hope for a part of us. (Interesting that “without vision the people perish”).
So let’s start with our vision: we can do that by imagining “what if,” and by allowing ourselves to be creative with our possibilities. What if I had more energy than ever before? What if I ran a 5K (or walked one)? What if I could lift my children up in the air? What if I could walk through the grocery store instead of needing an electric cart? What if I were 50 pounds lighter? What if I could fit into that gorgeous dress that’s been sitting in my closet? What if I could cook gourmet healthy meals that my whole family or circle of friends enjoys? What if I could sleep peacefully throughout the night? What if I could breathe freely and easily?
What if?
It’s a great way (and a fun, safe way) to explore possibilities.
2. Hope
Second, let your imagination take you to hope.
Hope is one member of the trio of divine qualities that we have been commanded to develop: faith, hope, and charity. Hope allows you to set your intention; it allows you to explore a worthy goal that you desire. If we hope for something, we are seeking to understand if that desired goal is in alignment with our Heavenly Father’s plan for us. He always provides us with what we ask for, or something better (just keep in mind that His perspective is infinitely more complete than ours). Hope allows us to have that trust that we can accomplish the desired goal, or something better, with approbation from the Lord.
3. Check Yourself
Now check how you feel as you contemplate and pray regarding that goal. If it causes great fear, it may be the wrong goal, or you may need to accomplish an intermediate goal before seeking that one. You may be trying to leap up the whole staircase instead of taking one step at a time. Try to identify the end result as well as intermediate steps to get you there. Then go to the next step.
Do not take action if:
1. your goal is based on fear (as in a panic state)
2. you feel obligated, that you have to select that goal
3. you are choosing to do it simply because it’s the kind of thing you’re good at
4. Wisdom
Use wisdom to help you evaluate your “what ifs.” You can continue to use your imagination to play out various scenarios and determine the results that will come as you make various choices. If your wisdom leads you to faith that you could do the goal, and it feels good to you, you may be onto something.
5. Action
Prayerfully schedule actions that will take you to your desired result. For example, if a 5K fulfills all the previously mentioned criteria, schedule actions that will take you there. Start with scheduling a place to walk. Consider getting a pedometer. Explore the possibility of walking with friends, or of using that time to ponder and pray while you walk. Schedule a gradually increasing length for walking: go from a few steps to a few hundred steps, to a quarter mile, to a half mile, and so on. Your body will relish the way it feels as you follow through with your commitment.
6. “If, then” Rewards
Set rewards for yourself.
The scriptures are replete with promises: if you do one thing, then you are promised a result. This is a vital part of accomplishment. If you faithfully fulfill your criteria for a week, for example, you might plan a relaxing bubble bath, or check a good book or movie out at the library, or invite some friends over for a healthy meal together. Set the rewards before taking action, and the thought of the reward will provide additional incentive to help you accomplish your goal.
7. Face the Uncertainty
Worthy goals always cause a bit of trepidation, so once you know this is the course you want to take, face that fear and move forward.
8. Continue the Inspiration
Continue to feed your mind and your spirit with positive inspiration. This gets you in the flow of things and generates enthusiasm (which comes from the root: en theos, or God within). Honor your promises to yourself.
9. Get Support
Get support, from without or within doesn’t really matter. Just enlist the aid of those who love and care for you.
10. Acknowledge Your Triumphs with Gratitude
Acknowledge your triumphs and be grateful. You are systematically changing your life for the better.
Then repeat the process with a new category or a new step forward.
Recognize that there will be snags; there will be disappointments. But you have a plan, and you have a way to achieve that plan or something better that God has in store for you.
Have fun in creating the Healthiest Year Ever in 2011!
