Stick to your New Year's resolution this year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sara Csurilla
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  It's that time of the year again when people around the world start strong on their New Year's resolutions.

According to Grisel Sanchez, the Health and Wellness Center's health education program manager, the most common self-proposed promises include losing weight, quitting smoking and eating healthier, among many others.

"However, regardless of the promise or goal, the problem a lot of people encounter is that they start strong but then fall short of their goals as the year rolls along," said Grisel Sanchez.

So this year, make sure you stick to your resolution.

"My resolution for 2009 is pretty simple," said 2nd Lt. Joel Borgan, 47th Operations Support Squadron. "I want to be healthier and stay in shape, so I'm going to continue to exercise regularly and eat healthy."

With New Year's resolutions, as with any goal people set for themselves, obstacles always arise even with simple goals like Lieutenant Borgan's.

"Resolutions fail mainly because the resolutions are not realistic; therefore they become too difficult to stick to," said Maj. Michelle Loper, 47th Mental Health flight commander and social worker. "People expect things to happen immediately and resolutions don't happen that fast, they take time and hard work."

To help you stick to your resolution in 2009 Major Loper also gives advice to help people better achieve their goals.

"Avoid perfectionist thinking, don't think of how you fall short but focus on the positive," Major Loper explains. "Also, view setbacks as lessons, don't make absolute resolutions - keep them realistic, tell people about your resolution so you have a support network, set realistic short term goals, be mentally and physically prepared, plan your resolution and even write it down, track your progress and most of all, make sure you reward yourself."

A common resolution with Airmen at Laughlin this year seems to be working towards a healthier lifestyle.

"My goal in 2009 is to improve my health," said Airman 1st Class Joseph Foderaro, 47th Medical Group. "Number one, I really want to stop smoking. I also want to exercise more, eat healthier and try to have that beach body everybody strives for before the summer."

People can achieve their goals if they just have the will to do it and the support they need, said Airman Foderaro.

Laughlin offers several outlets of support for just about any goal.

The 47th Force Support Squadron offers financial management classes and the Health and Wellness Center offers healthy living and tobacco sensation classes.

"Just remember, have that support network to help you with your goals and when slip-ups occur, it's important to get back to work and try again," said Maj. Loper.