Healthy New Year’s Resolutions

It's December 23rd. You're either at your holiday destination or preparing to go. Thoughts of fun, family, friends, and food all fill your mind and then... in those quiet moments... the thought of a New Year's resolution pops up.

Those are tough. We make them with the best of intentions and for many people—not just body conscious gay men— make their health the #1 resolution to focus on in the New Year.  However, just like dating more or drinking less, it often falls flat about a month into the New Year. The reason is because most resolutions are either too vague or too big. Fortunately, there are ways to set some real, attainable goals that can help you reach your main objective and feel a lot better about yourself.

We turned to A.C.E. and N.A.S.M.-certified trainer Bobby Solorio (who you might recognize that name from Bravo TV's Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List) for his suggestions. Bobby's focus is on fitness, but his smart suggestions apply to all resolutions you're making at this time of year.

1. Make short-term and long-term goals.
"'I'm going to join a gym,' is a goal you can attain right away." Solario says.  "Going to work out three times a week is a goal that you can attain often. Both of these examples will give you a sense of accomplishment, which in turn will motivate you to stay committed to your resolution." Extending that thought further, if you're goal is to eat less junk food, then limit yourself to buying only one snack when you grocery shop during the week. Or if you want to meet more guys, vow to go online to chat with some men for a date (not a hook up) at least once a week. "Short-term goals can evolve with time. Perhaps by week 8 you have been consistently going to the gym 3 times a week, you may decide to re-define your short-term goal to four days a week. By focusing on short-term goals you will eventually reach your long-term goal."

2. Tell someone your resolution. 
For dating, this can give you a wingman who will not only back you up but also keep you from making bad choices. Same goes for eating right or working out. "By sharing what you plan to accomplish in the New Year you will have someone who can hold you accountable," Solario advices. And in terms of dieting and working out, team up with someone who has seen success in their own lives; their learnings and encouragement will help.

3. If you stumble, move on.
"Pick yourself up, brush the dirt off, and get back on track," Solario says. There’s no shame in missing a workout or two (or three), or indulging on a night you didn't plan on it. This isn't the end of the world. Just refocus and move on. Tomorrow is a new day.

4. Reward yourself for sticking to your resolution. 
When you do well, you need to pat yourself on the back. "Whether it be a massage every month, new workout gear, or a nice meal out with your buddies, pat yourself on the back often and say 'good job' with a little something special."

These tips may seem slightly obvious, but when we're caught in the midst of our resolutions we often forget the simplest of lessons. So write out these steps, keep them in front of you at work or home, and set those small goals today for your success in 2012.

Dear Richard is Gay.net's resident advice columnist, but we sometimes pull him in to write mainstream articles as well. Check out the Dear Richard section here.

Just so's you know, he is not a medical doctor, a licensed psychiatrist, a counselor, a reverend, or a rabbi. He has not been evaluated by the FDA, the CDC, or the BBC, and his words are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The information is for educational purposes only and it not intended to serve as medical advice. You try this stuff out, you do it of your own free will.

Dear Richard does, however, love hearing from you and answering your questions. Leave a comment or send him an e-mail.