Positive Mindset & Small Actions

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.     #StartWithJifPowder  #CollectiveBias

The beginning of each year is the time for goal setting and making plans, but the truth is, most New Year’s resolutions don’t work. They just don’t stick. People generally don’t stay with them.

I always feel there’s something strangely forced about New Year’s resolutions.  If you want something enough, you should go out and get it, regardless of what time of the year it is. Why wait an entire year to try new foods and workouts?  You have to have the right motivation and it has to come from a positive place of excitement instead of shame or worry…otherwise it’s like a diet that will never last.

Most people with New Year’s resolutions start for a couple of weeks, they lose interest, the momentum kind of declines, and before they know it, they’re back to square one. Which shouldn’t come as a surprise when you think about it. We spend the holidays eating fatty treats and neglecting our work, then expect to wake up on New Year’s Day and turn over a new leaf to a more disciplined self. This just seems unrealistic.

Not only do people fail but now  they feel worse because they committed to doing something and instead they failed. This puts them in a shame spot, making them even more miserable.

How can we do better? What is a different way of approaching this?

I think it’s fine to have goals and to set goals. Goals create structure in our lives. But I think there is too much focus on this distant future event, and we really need to anchor ourselves in the present moment and put our focus on what we’re doing right now. Because it’s the small decisions and actions we do every single day that help us achieve our dreams and goals.

Your goals/wishes aren’t going to come out of thin air. You have to be okay knowing that you won’t lose 10 pounds in a week. Instead, a 30-minute walk each day may help you get on the right track. You have to work for your goals. And we should work for it; that’s what goals are all about.

Instead of looking at the big picture in the distant future, focus on today and start with small changes. Don’t go from 0 to 100 just because it’s a new year.

Perhaps this month you can make drinking more water a habit. Next month, create a habit of going on a 30 minute walk each day. The following month, cut out soda, etc. Small changes … one each month.

Soon, the small changes will become habits like brushing your teeth.

Also, make the changes for the right reason. If you haven’t found any need to make them until the last day of the year – in a moment of guilt after eating way too much during the holidays – it’s probably better to wait a couple of weeks until you sign up for a 12 month gym membership. Goals are only attainable if you truly want them.

Creating changes is all about easing into a lifestyle of moderation and finding the right balance. Moderation instead of deprivation.

This year, please avoid short-term changes, look forward, not back, and live in the now.

Don’t wait for “the best is yet to come.”

Your best day is TODAY.

Here are snippets of my small actions and decisions I do daily that help me achieve my goals of staying strong, energized, and happy. These small steps also help me make better decisions, clear my mind, and make my life more positive.A 30-minute walk each morning helps me start the day with movement without depleting my body of energy. All I need is a decent pair of shoes. Nature and movement make me happy. I am  grateful for both.

Instead of forcing yourself out of bed for a run or an intense workout first thing in the morning, try working a short walk into your morning routine. You will feel better!I sip on water all day long. It’s a habit and no one has to remind me to drink more.  Our bodies are mostly made of water, so it’s no surprise that staying well hydrated throughout the day is important to our energy. My focus is better with a cup of water next to me. I also love a cup of green tea with lemon.Our bodies need six essential nutrients. Water, Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat, Vitamins and Minerals. A smoothie or smoothie bowl is a great post-workout snack for me. I always have fruit in my freezer, along with frozen spinach and kale. Smoothies offer so much goodness, and they give your digestive system a break, which is perfect if you’re feeling bloated.

If you’re “afraid” of green smoothies, start with a peanut butter and banana smoothie. I absolutely love them. I drink them almost every day. Peanut butter in smoothies is so much more satisfying than fruit alone.

Have you guys seen powdered peanut butter?

When I was at Walmart I spotted a bag of Jif Peanut Powder.It has the same amount of nourishing protein as traditional peanut butter, but with 85% less fat. Basically, Jif Peanut Powder consists of powdered peanuts that have been pressed to remove much of the oil and fats. It’s the perfect way to add the peanut butter taste and protein I’m looking for without ratcheting up the calorie count. It’s a game changer for my smoothies. Besides, Jif Peanut Powder doesn’t get stuck to the bottom of the blender like regular peanut butter does.

I also love using it in my morning oatmeal. It tastes like  No Bake Peanut Butter cookies. Totally delicious.

My daughter adds it to her Greek yogurt. It adds a great peanut-y flavor without all the calories. The ONLY ingredient in Jif Peanut Powder is fresh roasted peanuts.  It doesn’t have any added sugar or salt.

Bottom line:  The possibilities with Jif Peanut Powder are endless and delicious. Why don’t you give it a try?

I hope this has given you some ideas and inspiration and that you’re feeling ready and excited for an amazing year ahead. In 2016, I want to encourage you to try new and different things, however, the desire to do so has to come from you. Your changes shouldn’t  be radical. Small actions do matter.

Have a wonderful year enjoying and loving yourself.

xoSabine