Entry #24: How to Accomplish Your 2026 New Year’s Resolution!

Most people make New Year’s resolutions that fail before February 1st. The most popular New Year’s Resolution is losing weight. This month let’s use this example. Make sure you see your doctor before starting any fitness program!

1. Plan ahead so that any temptations you might have won’t control you. You will control the situation. Going to a birthday party after work starving? Bring a protein enriched meal with you to eat before you arrive. Arrive after the meal, but before the cake. (I didn’t say this would be easy). 
2. You MUST change the way you see food. I teach people that food is how you fuel your body, not entertainment. Do you mindlessly eat popcorn while watching a movie? I am joking but serious at the same time when I say, “The movie still plays without you eating popcorn.” Reframing why and when you fuel your body will help the pounds fall off sometimes on their own.
3. Muscle weighs more than fat? Last year my bipolar meds stopped working. I gained 30 pounds in hospital due to depression. Once my new meds were working with doctors’ help, I lost it all but gained back 10 pounds after doing heavy lifting and running for 12 months. Even though I gained weight, I went from a size 12 down to a 4. Why? Because when you work your muscles, they tone up, which leads to you shrinking in inches. The value of strength training with cardio is incredible. Can’t afford a gym membership? Buy a used set of cheap weights and go running/walking outside for free! 
4. Make a workout appointment in your calendar and KEEP IT! I like to workout Monday – Friday for one hour per day. I take weekends off. Do what works for you. When my kids were little, I would tuck them into bed and then do fitness. 

It’s like I have said before that, “If you want things to change, YOU have to change things.” What tips are you going to apply from this example to all of your goals? 

 

Stephanie Preston creates powerful, humorous videos on managing bipolar disorder symptoms. She is a Social Service Worker, Health Care Aide and suffers from severe bipolar depression herself. She is the proud wife of St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston, loves being a grandma and is Crossfit obsessed. Follow her at www.tiktok.com/@bipolaronthebrain and www.facebook.com/bipolaronthebrain.