Resolutions & Life Goals
Happy New Year from the staff of the HealthTexas Medical Group – Holy Cross Clinic.
In past January issues, I’ve addressed New Year’s resolutions that can help improve our physical health. While still important, I’d like to address overall life goals in this article. This past weekend, I took a couple of hours and worked through what I wanted my goals to be for 2020. Instead of resolutions, I chose to focus on “one day at a time.” Over the last couple of years, I’ve been working on building consistency in my life. Some of that consistency dealt with spiritual matters—praying daily and reading enriching material daily.
This year, I’ll be reading through the Bible for the year. I’m using an app called ReadScripture that one of our church campuses will be using. So far, so good. On the physical side, I’m working to be more consistent in my diet and activity. At the moment, intermittent fasting is working for me and I hope to continue that process. I’m eating for certain hours through the day and then drinking water or black coffee for the rest of the time. Recent studies have shown that this can be a good way to improve metabolism and lose weight. We’ll see how it works for me.
Resolutions to Life Goals
If you are like me, making resolutions has not made a lasting difference in past years. I’m hoping that taking one day at a time to do the next right thing will build habits that continue through the year.
Those “next right things” will vary from person to person. For some, it is simply saying “no” to the 3rd taco in the morning. For others, it may be saying yes to an invitation to go for a walk or a run or a workout. Or, being the one to invite someone for that kind of activity. Taking five to ten minutes in the morning to pray has made a dramatic difference in my outlook. For those of you who aren’t believers, you can still pray. Meditation can also help us deal with stresses of life. A more peaceful day can begin with a few minutes of peace and meditation.
Consistency is Key
Resolving to do something grand is always worthwhile. Completing that degree, applying for the promotion, ending a bad habit or bad relationship are all worthy and sometimes big goals. They are reached by making small consistent steps. One class, one project, one time walking away or one boundary setting can set you on a path to that dream.
Be intentional about this year. Set goals that will help you make 2020 a better year for you and your family. As always, the staff at the Holy Cross clinic are available to help our patients with their health related goals in 2020 and beyond. Happy New Year!
Michael Dominguez, MD, FAAFP is board certified in Family Medicine. His office is located at HealthTexas Medical Group, 590 N. General McMullen, 78228, phone: 210-249-0212.