Local news and opinion reaching the communities of nosara, samarA and Nicoya
Log in |
Return to homepage
home regional community sports entertainment surf nature health en Espa�ol English
     
Archives
December 09
January 2010
February 2010
Water Edition
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010
June 2010
July 2010
August 2010
September 10
October 10
November 10
December 10
January 2011
February 2011
March 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June 2011
July 2011
August 2011
September 11
October 11
November 11
December 11
January 2012
February 2012
March 2012
April 2012
May 2012
June 2012
July 2012
August 2012
September 12
October 12
November 12
December 12
January 13
February 13
March 13
April 13
May 13
 
Media
Partners
  El Pais
  Inside Costa Rica
  Costa Spirit
  Q Costa Rica
  Today Costa Rica
  El Sabanero
connect
FaceBook
Twitter
 
CLASSIFIEDS
 
community
  Nosara Animal Care
   
  Nosara Info
   
Esquelita de Nosara
  Friends of Nosara
   
  Nosara Civic Association
  Nosara
Wildlife

Set and Achieve Your Goals for the New Year

By Mary Serphos, Certified Health Coach and Licensed Psychotherapist


Illustration By Jose Antonio Villalobos Vargas

The beginning of a new year is a powerful time alive with possibility and intention. This is the time to begin again and start fresh, get back on track and pave the way for transformation. Many of us feel compelled to set resolutions and goals to envision a brighter future. Whether written or spoken, it often sounds like this: 2013 is the year I’ll make more money, work out harder, be more disciplined, be kinder and happier. 

But the odds are that one or more of our goals will backfire or fall off track if not shortly after the new year, maybe a few months down the road.  The problem is that failed resolutions can lead to depression, disappointment and self sabotage instead of self improvement.  The attempt to change a habit might turn out the opposite—binge eating, for example, after following an overly strict diet.

The practical tips below are designed to help you make this year’s resolutions stick.

Limit Your Goals/Resolutions and Be Specific: The ability to focus on multiple goals or ideas that require self-control is limited. Therefore, the chance of success is higher if you have made the commitment to a few specific goals rather than ten or twelve general ones. Although it’s tempting to make a list of all the things we have in mind to improve in our lives like losing weight, quitting smoking or drinking, exercising more and spending more time with loved ones, it’s more productive to chose just two or three and then write out specific action steps for how to achieve those goals.

Set Deadlines and Write Them Down: By marking a specific date on a calendar, it’s easier to stay focused, and then you have a record right in front of you to refer back to. For example let’s say your goal is to “get in shape.” Write out your schedule: I will take a 20 minute walk on Tuesdays and Thursdays, attend a yoga class on Fridays and engage in more strenuous exercise by running/working out/swimming/surfing on Saturdays and Mondays.

Recruit Support: Share your intentions and goals with friends and family who will support you. Developing a support system will help you stay accountable and on track. Also encourage others to achieve their goals.

Resist the Impulse to Direct Anger at Yourself: Instead of judging yourself negatively when you haven’t achieved your resolutions, make the decision to try again. It’s important to approach setbacks with compassion. Take stock of what is happening and without blame, look at what has led you to get off track. Maybe the goals need to be adjusted so they are more realistic and not so overwhelming. When we choose not to dwell in the past, it’s easier to move forward.

When you do reach your goals, celebrate! Make sure to acknowledge your efforts and achievements in order to set yourself up for success in the future.




 

More Health News

Chill out with Aloe

Aloe Vera is one of the most useful and easy to grow plants.  It has been called “a physician in a pot” since it can be used to treat a very broad range of illnesses. The gelatin inside the leaf can be used to treat most skin problems: burns, sunburn, insect bites, cuts, bruises, sprains, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections and acne.

Free World-Class Holistic Lectures Coming To Nosara

Blue Spirit and their sister group, The Omega Institute, will be continuing their public-learning program, entering into their fourth year; A five-session series of lectures by world-renowned spiritual speakers will be taking place at the Yoga House every Monday starting January 7th.


 

Contact us: NOSARA [email protected] / PUBLICITY and ADVERTISING [email protected]
Copyright 2012© The Voice of Nosara