Some new year resolutions…

I realize that New Year's Eve is still a few days away, but my MD appointment last week really got me thinking about what I need to work on. At diabetes conferences people always say how remarkable it is that I participate in triathlons, but I'm not perfect - far from it. Regardless of how people perceive us, there are always things we can improve on.Well, here's my list.

Caffeine Boy, I don’t know if it was the new job, or the move to a new state, but I’m drinking coffee – a lot of coffee. I make a pot of coffee and usually have to make another one before my wife even wakes up. Then I have it throughout the day, I even catch myself having it when I check into hotels in the evening.My Resolution Cut the caffeine. I went out and bought some decaf for the house, and am going to make a conscious effort to buy decaf when I’m out.

Water This kind of went hand in hand with the caffeine. The water went out, the caffeine went in. I feel like I’m borderline dehydrated most of the time.My Resolution Instead of a coffee cup, I I’ll start carrying a water bottle in the car. I’m also going to buy some of those Crystal Light on the go packets to make the water flavored.

Time Management This is something I’ve really struggled with, but now with the job and the new demands for CWD, and Triabetes, I really need to get this stuff sorted out. I think I let things like MD appointments and personal issues take a back seat, which is not good for me, or my family.My Resolution I’m going to try learning a little more about what my PDA has to offer (I use outlook) in the hopes of scheduling some time for everything

And for all of you?If I was going to make some recommendations about New Year’s resolutions, I would certainly recommend setting some goals for the year. Now is the perfect time to do so (everyone else is doing it!!!!)

1)Remember that people get in the habit of trying to do too much, too soon and end up failing at everything. Don’t get caught in this trap. Pick one or two small changes that you can make, then when you successfully accomplish them move on to bigger and better things.

2)Pick goals that you are able to measure, ‘feeling better’ is noteworthy, but it is subjective and hard to quantify. Weight loss or a daily fitness regimen is easier to measure, and is related to feeling better.

3) Find support. Tell your friend and family members about your goals, get them to follow suit. Find a way to support them while they support you, whether you have the same goals or not.

Got Goals?

So what do you want out of a resolution? And more importantly, why haven’t you met it? The one thing that many of us have in common is our setting resolutions, but the other thing that is just as common is our lack of having a true goal.


Many of us would agree that goals are what makes the world go round. People who are considered successful may be successful at different things, but they all have similarities when it comes to goal setting. So let's get some goals!



These are the things I think you’re goals need to have:
· Specific
· Measurable
· Realistic
· Flexible


Goals need to be specific. I often hear that people want to be healthy. I wonderful goal of course, but boy, getting healthy can involve quite a few things. And although all of them are good, too many of them all at once is just as bad as having none at all. Can you juggle five tennis balls? Probably not. But can you ‘juggle’ one? That’s more likely – and you’ll have a better chance if you try to narrow down what it is you want to concentrate on.


Goals need to be measurable. Losing weight is great, but how much do you want to lose? There’s a big difference between 5 and 10 pounds, and one isn’t any better then the other. But you do need to know what it is you’re shooting for. This has everything to do with your motivation. If your goal is to lose 10 pounds and you’re lost 5 so far, you can think to yourself ‘I’m half way there’. If you don’t have a specific amount you have nothing to shoot for.


Goals need to be realistic. Now no one loves watching “the Biggest Loser’ more then my wife and I. It’s one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever seen. But there is NO WAY that any of us in the real world can accomplish what they do. That’s not to say we can’t do it – we just can’t in the time frame that they do. I never want to believe anything is out of reach, but I do believe theres a time and a place for everything (with a heavy emphasis on the time).


Lastly, goals need to be flexible. Life happens. (Actually I think its another word that’s supposed to be there – but this is a PG blog). You need to know that life gets in the way. A bone could break, a muscle could get pulled. A family member could get sick. A job could have longer hours at times. These are things you can’t change, and sometimes your goals need to change with them.