Life Lessons Learned from Star Wars: New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year!  Each new year many of us make resolutions to live a healthier life.  Some of us vow to eat better, start exercising or quit smoking.  Many of our resolutions are essential to our health and well-being.  We resolve to change.  Unfortunately most of us do not.  Studies have shown that up to 92% of people who make New Year’s resolutions fail.  For some of us, failure is just not an option.  Our health is too important.  

So how do we succeed and achieve our New Year’s Resolutions?  We’ll continue our series on Life Lessons Learned from Star Wars to find the answer.

“I find your lack of faith disturbing.” –Darth Vader

First of all, surround yourself with people who believe in you and want to see you achieve your goals.  Having a strong network of social support greatly increases adherence to goals.  Having supportive people in your life helps decrease stress and anxiety and increases happiness.  It’s nice to have a cheering section and people to help you celebrate your victory. 

 

 

“I don't believe it.”—Luke Skywalker

“That is why you fail.” -- Yoda

You must believe in yourself.  Self-doubt can be the biggest saboteur for success.  You deserve to be healthy and happy.  You have the skills you need.  You are capable of success.

“Jeez, I’m out of it for a little while, everyone gets delusions of grandeur”—Han Solo

When setting a goal, it’s important to be realistic and specific.   Let’s say a person is 100 pounds overweight.  She is morbidly obese and at risk for dire health consequences.  Her goal is to lose 100 pounds and be at a healthy weight.  But losing 100 pounds is a really big deal.  By setting such a high goal (although long-term is great), she is setting herself up for failure.  A more realistic goal is to follow a prescribed meal plan for a set period of time like 21 days.   Then the plan can be analyzed and the next goal set.  By breaking down a large goal into attainable pieces, we greatly increase the likelihood of success. 

 

 “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda

This is my favorite quote of all time.  Do not make excuses.  There is no try.  When we use the word “try” we give ourselves permission to fail.   You don’t try to succeed.  You do it.  Just do it.  There is no try. 

 

Here’s wishing you all a healthy and happy 2016.  May the Force be with You.