As 2015 comes to an end and we greet a new year it is a good time to reflect on the things you have accomplished as well as the challenges. Did you have goals or expectations that were not met? If so what barriers prevented you from accomplishing these goals?
An “Action Plan” can help get the New Year off to a great start. I am getting lots of positive feedback from the fact sheet I wrote titled, “Action Plan for Healthy Living.” Since it was chosen as the 1st place publication through my national association this year I was able to share the information at a national meeting with forty-two Extension professionals from across the country.
So what exactly is an “Action Plan”? The first step in developing an action plan is to find something you “want” to do. Think about lifestyle changes that could impact your health in a positive way. Choose something that is reasonable; something you could expect to accomplish in a week or two. A true action plan is behavior specific. Losing weight is not a behavior, but drinking three sugary drinks every day is. An action plan answers these questions: What? How much? When? How often?
The final piece of a successful action plan is to assess the confidence level that you will fulfill the contract. On a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 represents little confidence and 10 represents total confidence, your plan should rank at least a 7.
Many serious health problems are directly related to personal habits or behavior. The risk factors that can lead to these problems are of little concern to many people. They may have the attitude, “I feel fine – why worry about a healthier lifestyle? The medical system was built around caring for the sick instead of keeping people well. Achieving a healthy lifestyle takes knowledge, effort, and determination. No one can do it for you. Now is the time to build healthy habits into your daily life. Soon they will come naturally.
Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Donna Krug is the Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research & Extension – Barton County. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu