The new year is off in a time of reflection and goal setting. We see it as a fresh start, a time to improve on ourselves and be better friends and family members. Western North Carolina is a great place to be if you are setting new fitness goals and resolutions. We are surrounded by beauty and natural resources. We are considered an outdoor city.
If you have recently undergone amputation or have limb loss, the thought of setting New Year’s goals and resolutions may be daunting. However, going through those steps can help improve your outlook and attitude, accomplish things you thought were not possible, and lead to making the next year better than ever. In this article, we want to help those with limb loss with good and helpful New Year’s resolutions.
Set good goals:
As common as it is to set New Year's Resolutions, people break them almost as frequently. Eighty percent of all Americans fail to reach their resolutions each year. One of the reasons people fail to achieve their resolutions is that they are setting unattainable goals. In 1981 a journal called Management Review developed an acronym for goal-setting that will help you with your resolutions - SMART:
- Specific: Goals such as "being more active" or "losing weight" are vague and difficult to quantify. With no clear objective, it is easier to give up on your goals. If you did want to be more active, resolve to go to the gym 3 or 4 days a week.
- Measurable: Once you have set a specific goal, you can determine how to measure your success. Did you lose 5 pounds this month? Did you go to the gym or outdoors three times a week? Write it down.
- Achievable: This does not mean you should avoid stretch goals. You may want to compete in the Iron Man, but your rehabilitation may not be there just yet. You might plan to run/walk a certain number of 5K's or half-marathons first.
- Relevant: Set goals about things that are important to you. You are more likely to give up goals about which you care little.
- Time-Bound: If you resolve to lose thirty pounds with no real timetable, you are more likely to procrastinate until the end of the year. Set a timeline for your goals and keep up with the measurements.
Talk with your doctors and rehabilitation team:
If you want to achieve New Year's resolutions related to your prosthetic device, you need to find out what is within reach and how to make a good plan. You may want to hike more often or run in an event. Your doctors and rehabilitation team can help you with exercises, stretches, and plans to meet your goals. They will be able to help you set and keep SMART resolutions.
Meet with your friends, family, and support group:
It may make you nervous to think about setting and saying your goals out loud to friends and family; however, they will be key to helping you achieve your resolutions. They will be your biggest cheerleaders in reaching every goal you set. Your friends, family, and support group will be able to hold you accountable to your plan and get back to it when you struggle or fail.
Be prepared to reassess your goals during the year:
It is possible that even with SMART resolutions, a good plan, and great support that you will still fall somewhat short of achieving your goals. Be prepared to assess your goals and plan throughout the year and make adjustments as needed. Do not let your ambition at the beginning of the year become an enemy later. You can continue to achieve good things even if you have to make changes by spring or summer.
At Orthopedic Appliance Company, we are committed to helping those with limb loss and mobility issues experience their best life and western North Carolina. We have been helping residents of this area stay mobile for 60 years. Whether you want help setting good New Years goals, or want more information about our prosthetic devices, Orthopedic Appliance Company is here to help. Contact us today for more information and continue to research on our website. We work with you and your team to make sure you have the best experience possible with your artificial limb.