With healthcare reform at the forefront these days, many Americans feel confused, frustrated and helpless. And while it may be difficult to have an impact on what’s going on in Congress, you can make a difference.
Create your own healthcare reform. Accept our challenge to take responsibility for your health. Make a plan to eat better, exercise more and get on the path to a healthier you. And then get your friends involved.
Challenge #1 – Set your goals
Broken any good New Year’s resolutions lately? Studies show that many of us make them, and most of us won’t keep them. But there’s more at work than just willpower. How you set goals is crucial.
A University of Scranton study showed that people who make specific, concrete New Year’s resolutions/goals are 10 times more likely to achieve those goals than those who make non-specific goals.
10 in ’10. Your first challenge it to write down 10 personal goals for 2010.
Come up with 10 concrete, tangible goals, then create an action plan to accomplish them.
The most effective goals should be:
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Written. Writing things down creates a sense of purpose.
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Challenging. If the goal doesn’t stretch you, you’re less motivated to reach for it.
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Believable. Unrealistic goals set you up for failure.
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Specific. Unspecific goals are hard to achieve because both everything and nothing look like progress.
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Measurable. A sense of accomplishment toward a goal motivates you to continue striving.
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Deadline-driven. Deadlines help you put together an action plan and measure progress.
Challenge #2 – Get moving
For most of us, getting more exercise is close to the top of our list of 10 goals. If you’re getting little or no physical activity now, it’s time to take that first step. Literally.
10 in ’10 with 10.
Your second challenge is to commit to walking 10 minutes, 10 times per week, with 10 friends.
Instead of a coffee break, take a walking break. Heading to the mall? Take 10 minutes for a brisk walk before you start shopping. Use 10 minutes at the end of your lunch break to walk off your meal. Be creative; add steps wherever you can.
Is 10 too many friends to organize? Create a virtual walking club. If you can’t get together with 10 friends, set a time with friends to take a walk “together.” Send a “Ready. Set. Go.” email to get everybody started, and then meet back up with your virtual club by email after your walks.
Or set up a walk-a-thon at work. Schedule one day a week where a group of 2 or 3 coworkers walk for 10 minutes, then “tag” the next group to start.
Take up the challenge
Whether your goals are physical, mental, spiritual or financial, now’s the time to put them to work for you. Write them down, decide on a plan of action, and get a little help from your friends. And let GuideStone help. Visit our wellness site for tips and tools for your wellness success.