HOULTON, Maine — Are you making your list and checking it twice?
No, not that list. We know it’s a little late for a Christmas list. But now is the perfect time for your list of New Year’s resolutions.
All those resolutions usually include plenty of promises: promises to get in shape, kick that pesky habit or finally do all those things we’ve been meaning to do since the beginning of 2017.
A batch of local experts shared some insight, with ideas that can work no matter what you’re planning to tackle in 2018.
The big question is: how do you make resolutions that last longer than a week?
One of the best ways to take on a new goal, especially a fitness goal, is to tackle it with a buddy, said Tracey Despres, a professional group fitness instructor and personal trainer at Houlton’s Main Street Fitness.
“That’s one great way to keep it going: working out with a buddy,” she explained. “And if you don’t have a buddy, group fitness classes are a great option because they give you a built-in buddy system.”
Despres, who earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science, said that’s how she got started as a high schooler: heading to the gym with her mom. Companionship and a come-as-you-are feeling can make all the difference, she said.
“We really do have a lot of fitness levels at the gym and a lot of ways to make this part of your lifestyle,” added Despres. “I think a lot of times people are intimidated because they’re not at certain fitness level, but fitness really starts from the inside out.”
Linda Rowe, who’s been teaching yoga for over 20 years and runs Mindful Way in Market Square, said it’s easy for us to look for quick fixes or to bite off more than we can chew.
“We’re not always good at taking care of ourselves or at finding ourselves worthy,” said Rowe. “It’s so easy to slide back into those old habits.”
The key isn’t always to cram more into your day or beat yourself up if you miss the mark. Rowe said giving giving yourself extra space, or silence, can make a difference.
“I do restful yoga, as well, and I see … how much silence is undervalued,” she explained. “Space in our minds gives us space in our day.”
Starting each day with intention is good, she added, but don’t beat yourself if things don’t come together.
“Make an agreement with yourself and refresh that every day,” she said. “Tomorrow is another day.”
Travis Glatter, associate pastor at Military Street Baptist Church, is also the ministry leader for Celebrate Recovery, a Christian recovery group that aims to support anyone with a “hurt, hang-up or habit.” During his time as a local Celebrate Recovery leader, Glatter has cheered on plenty of participants as they break old habits and start new ones.
“Coming to a place where you acknowledge you need a change, that’s the first step,” explained Glatter. “Habits are usually coping mechanisms. Some are just more socially acceptable than others.”
We all make habits to escape or deal with different things in our life, whether it’s too much screen time or an unhealthy diet, added Glatter. The secret to changing these some of these habits is being ready to admit that change takes time and finding someone to encourage you along the way.
“We don’t need someone trying to fix us. We need someone who is going to be by our side, holding us accountable in a loving way,” he said.
And if we can’t even remember all our resolutions by the time February rolls around?
“Don’t allow those setbacks to stop you,” added Glatter. “Realize it might take a few starts for it to happen.”
