Sun, The (Lowell, MA)
January 2, 2003
Section: Today's Headlines
You Say You Want a Resolution
Experts: Making New Year's changes starts with realistic plans
REBECCA LIPCHITZ, Sun Staff
Experts: Making New Year's changes starts with realistic plans REBECCA LIPCHITZ, Sun Staff
Millions may resolve this year to lose those 20 pounds, quit smoking or buy that house, but few are likely to pull it off. What is the difference between those who succeed and the resolution repeat-offenders?
Experts say the key to sticking to a New Year's resolution is not just in how you do it, but knowing why you want to make the change.
"People often make New Year's resolutions that are wishes rather than wants," says Lorraine Cassista, personal coach of Creating my Life Coaching of Dracut.
A wish, Cassista says, lives in one's imagination, and does not always lead to action. "When someone really wants something and they believe it's in their power to get it, they're willing to do the work to get there."
Financial consultant Stephen Ahern, a partner at Sullivan & Bille P.C. of Tewksbury, says his successful clients are the people who have a strong emotional connection to their goal.
He talks with clients about their goals and then "put(s) numbers on it," but he also considers "the pain factor."
He has found that giving up a $2 cup of coffee every morning is an unpopular way to stick to a budget, but an effective one. Many people don't want to change their lifestyle, and he can only help them so much, he says.
"Their chances are slim to none," he says.
Slim chances are a little more encouraging for Collie Rivela, director of the Weighless Nutrition Center in Chelmsford for 20 years. She did not once mention the words "vegetables" or "carbohydrates" when asked how people can stick to a weight-loss plan.
"To eat the right foods in our society makes you have to think a lot, but it is desire more than discipline," Rivela said.
People who succeed at changing their eating habits find a plan that fits into their lifestyle, she said.
Falling off the nutritional wagon is often due to a diet that keeps people from doing "everyday" things such as "eating what friends and family eat," Rivela said.
That is not to say that a run to the hot dog stand is in order, but remembering why you want to eat better could be the difference between resolution and results, she says.
Margaret Kotten, a personal trainer who works with clients at the World Gym in Chelmsford, said she believes hiring a personal trainer is what keeps people coming to the gym, largely because someone is around to remind them of their goals.
She is also an advocate of setting attainable goals and working out with a friend, but a paid trainer demands accountability, she said.
"If you have an appointment with me three days a week at 11 o'clock, you're more likely to show up," she said.
Karen Bell , owner of The Club fitness center in Lowell, disagrees that hiring a trainer is the key. She emphasizes the need to make a plan and write it down.
"Most people set a goal in January without a plan, but without a plan, you'll never go beyond the first day, if you even get there."
She offers free training designed to get people working out independently, she said. Her paid personal training services are most valuable to people with specific health issues or a severe lack of motivation, she said.
"I want people here for the long term, and the only way to get that is to help them be successful."
Perhaps you've managed to hop on the treadmill relatively often but still light up when you're done.
Making a plan and finding support are also key steps in breaking a smoking habit, says Janet Van Ness, project director for Try to STOP TOBACCO Resource Center, an agency that serves all of Massachusetts.
"Know why you want to quit, what you'll do in situations when you would smoke, and when you experience withdrawal," she said.
For a few people, quitting smoking without help is possible, she said. But unlike sticking to a diet, a budget or exercise regimen, using tools such as medication can double the success rate for smokers trying to quit, Van Ness says.
The resource center also sponsors a Web site, www.trytostop.org , which offers free online help in making a plan and finding resources.
Cassista, who coaches people on improving aspects of their lives such as careers, relationships and finances, says successful changes in one area of life often lead to improvements in other areas.
"Once people are happier with themselves, they are happier in their relationships, and find the people in their lives respond differently."
She usually expects a client to commit to three months of coaching, during which she continually asks them to question and assess their situation.
"Sometimes the outcome is different (than originally planned), but I work on connecting it to their heart's desire."
Rebecca Lipchitz's e-mail address is rlipchitz@lowellsun.com.
