5 Steps to Jumpstart Your New Year's Resolutions

1. With the New Year right around the corner, many of us have begun thinking about our latest resolutions. Instead of waiting until January 1st, jumpstart your resolutions NOW with these five simple steps.
2. Set realistic, specific goals. Begin your jumpstart plan by envisioning what you want to achieve. Next, determine an appropriate length of time to achieve your goal. Too often we set time frames that are unattainable, so be realistic so you don't get discouraged. Example: I would like to lose ten pounds. If I lost one to two pounds per week (recommended), I would be able to meet my goal in five to ten weeks.
3. Keep a food journal. Starting a food journal before you begin your resolution gives you a more accurate picture of your eating habits. This way you can pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to move on to step three.
4. Develop an action plan based on your findings. Target your weaknesses and develop strategies to overcome them. For example, if you find that you tend to skip breakfast then over-indulge later in the day, develop a plan to include breakfast each day.
5. Enlist reinforcements. Friends and family members are more likely to be part of your New Year's Resolutions if they are given adequate time to make a plan, too. This way you can arrange when you will go to gym, go to the grocery store together or go for a walk before the year begins.
6. Start moving now. When it comes to exercise, every little bit counts. Even if your gym membership doesn't begin until the first of January, start taking the stairs, parking further away at the store and taking more walk breaks at work in order to ease into a new exercise routine.

Armed with this five step jumpstart plan, you will ready to take on any New Year's health and wellness Resolution. Remember to reward yourself along the way and celebrate your successes to make 2012 your healthiest year yet.