TIP - Daily Inspirational Goals

Inspirational though

Along with your long-range plans to live a healthier lifestyle, you will want to include daily inspirational goals. Inspirational thoughts could be “I know I can do this” or “I will focus on positive thoughts” or “I will find something to enjoy every time I take a break from work.” These simple thoughts, repeated throughout the day, will help you reach your lifestyle goals. You will find many more inspirational thoughts and quotes on the Internet.

The key to choosing a good daily inspirational thought is to make it your own, aligned with your personal likes and dislikes. Then the inspirations will help you reach your lifestyle goals.

TIP - Dealing with New Year's Resolution Lapses

Reminder string

It’s going to happen. Sooner or later, you are going to break your resolution, go back on your promise to yourself, or revert to old undesired behaviors. Remind yourself that this lapse is temporary.

If several lapses occur in a short period of time, you may begin to think your resolution or behavior change plan is too difficult. It’s not. Don’t let these negative thoughts take over. The lapse is temporary only. Everyone makes mistakes.

Tomorrow is another chance to start over again. You can do it!

The Back-Seat Driver Can Be a Driver’s Helper

Broken guard rail on a highway

Distracted drivers kill approximately 9 people and injure over 1000 more each day in the US. Automobile drivers can be distracted in three ways:

1. Manually, mainly taking your hands off the steering wheel
2. Visually, taking your eyes off the traffic and road
3. Cognitively, not thinking about driving

Many activities people engage in while driving are distracting. Texting is especially problematic, because it combines all three types of distraction.

Instead of nagging the driver about potential distractions, the back-seat driver can be part of the solution. Here are a few things a passenger can do to aid the driver.

• Read maps and road signs. Look for landmarks or places to take a break or grab some food. 
• Be in charge of electronics:
• Operate the GPS
• Check information on the mobile phone
• Answer text messages and phone calls
• Keep the car comfortable with air conditioning, heating, and music.
• Take care of children and pets in the back seat. Be sure they are all properly secured. Sometimes it is best to sit in the back seat with a cranky child or nervous pet to keep them calm. 

If the driver does become distracted, gently remind him or her to focus on driving. If the problem seems to be driver fatigue, suggest pulling over for a break, a meal, or a change of drivers.

TIP - Improve your self-confidence

If your belief in yourself needs improvement, try these strategies.

• Consider your personal motivations. Knowing what encourages you to succeed will allow you to rethink your life path.
• Identify your personal strengths. Use them to accomplish what you need to do to succeed.
• What have you done in the past to succeed? Once you know that, you can focus on those skills this time around.
• Plan to take small steps. Don’t try to do too much all at once. Break down large goals into smaller sequential targets.
• Recognize that we all have setbacks in our progress. That’s OK. Just start over again the following day.

These five steps will improve your self-confidence and help you plan and achieve a healthier life.