Goals for 2008
How to keep your New Year’s resolutions
By Henry A. Alvarez III
SAHA President and CEO
I can’t believe it’s already 2008! Now that the chaos of the holiday season has come to a close, I think we should take time to reflect on our goals for the coming year.
Each New Year’s Eve, we make New Year’s resolutions for losing weight, eating healthier, contacting old acquaintances, finishing projects and taking a vacation, but how often do we actually keep them? I think we should make 2008 the year we finally took our goals seriously.
Sometimes, however, goal setting and goal reaching are not as easy as they sound. We easily get discouraged and end up quitting all too often. Other times, we opt to start the process “tomorrow” and “next week”; the problem is that many times, “tomorrow” and “next week” never actually come. This year, I think we should pay attention to ourselves and make goals we sincerely plan to work toward. Here are a few tips that I find extremely helpful when I make my list of resolutions every New Year’s Day.
The key to achieving your goals is believing in yourself. If you believe you can drop 50 pounds over the next 12 months, you are much more likely to do something about it. You’ll hit the gym, snack on carrots and boycott fast food much easier than people who don’t share your enthusiasm and self-confidence. Keep this in mind when you make resolutions. If you don’t really believe you can write a novel, for example, you probably can’t. If you really want to write a novel, you will need to adjust your attitude and take the steps necessary to achieving your goal.
Keep your goals in order. Make a list, and check it periodically. If toward the middle of the year, you see that you still haven’t taken the vacation you promised yourself, break out your planner and set the dates. If you don’t check your list often, you may miss out on some great opportunities to keep your New Year’s resolutions.
Set realistic goals. For one, never swear to yourself that you will win the lottery or become famous. Goals like these are unrealistic because they are very dependent upon fate and luck – neither of which you have control over. If you want to come into money this year, why not sell some old knickknacks and trinkets that just lie around your house and collect dust? You could conduct yard sales or set up a seller account on EBay. You probably won’t become rich overnight, but you’ll have a fun new hobby and some extra cash for the bank. After all, every little bit helps.
Finally, stay tuned to yourself. Don’t set goals that other people want you to set. New Year’s resolutions are intended for self-improvement, so never forget that you are the one who will have to work towards the goal. If you are working toward things you really want, you are more likely to pursue them.
I have no doubt in my mind that 2008 will be a great year for all of us. We had a great 2007, and by setting our goals, we can ensure that 2008 will be even better. I wish everyone the best of luck in achieving their goals in 2008. Happy New Year!
Learning control
Substance abuse training set for mid-January
Substance abuse in the workplace has grown considerably in recent years. It has gotten to the point where it is estimated that one in 10 employees in this country’s workforce has a substance abuse problem.
The personal impact of substance abuse on the employee is pervasive and affects just about every facet of the person’s life. The substance abuser may end up losing everything – family, home, friends, savings and employment.
The San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) wants you to know how to deal with substance abuse problems before it’s too late. Learn how to detect behaviors that may be associated with substance abuse and how to assist employees while protecting the interests of co-workers and the company. This mandatory training will be held January 14 – 18 at the Central Office in the boardroom.
Ten bright ideas for weight loss
“Choose well,” not “Diet.”
8 You should think, “Choose well,” not “Diet.”
Choose foods that allow you to fill up on fewer calories. These include foods that are:
• Minimally processed
• High in fiber
• Low in fat and sugar
Examples include fruits, vegetables, cooked whole grains, whole-wheat products, brown rice and legumes.
8 Try to make exercise fun.
• Take up aerobic activities that are fun, such as walking, bike riding, swimming, hiking, softball, etc.
• Work out aerobically at least an hour a day, five or six days a week
8 Only eat when you’re hungry.
8 Take care when eating out.
Choose soup or salad or smaller dishes that are low in fat. Ask for sauces and dressings on the side.
8 Be a smart shopper.
• Fill grocery carts 2/3 full of whole foods instead of processed convenience foods.
• Buy plenty of fruits and vegetables.
8 Snack for better health.
• Snack only when you’re hungry.
• Instead of packed snacks, think “out of the bag” and enjoy fresh fruits or vegetables with low-fat dips or fat-free light yogurt.
8 Be a little adventurous.
• Expand your range of healthful food choices.
• Buy a low-fat cookbook to help you modify traditional high-fat favorites.
8 Use less fat when cooking.
• Prepare foods using lower-fat cooking methods, such as baking, broiling, grilling, roasting or steaming, instead of frying.
• Eliminate “extra” fats. Trim visible fats from meat. Rinse cooked ground meat. • Remove skin from poultry.
8 Limit sugar and refined starch.
• Limit the amount of foods you eat that contain added sugar.
• Limit refined starch foods that are make with white flour and are low in fiber. Fill up instead with high-fiber choices such as yams, dried beans, brown rice, potatoes and whole grains.
8 Don’t skip breakfast.
Starting the day with a high-fiber, low-fat breakfast will help you consume fewer calories the rest of the day!
Article source: www.foodandhealth.com
