Start with your WHY to set your goals for your diabetes in 2023

On New Year’s Day, we often focus on resolutions to make sweeping changes in the new year. Unfortunately, they often go out the window anywhere from a few days to a month in. We need a process to decide what we want to achieve in 2023.

Start by getting clear on WHY you want to achieve the goal you set for yourself for next year. What is it you want to accomplish, such that this time next year, you are happy with the progress you made. Your WHY will be the thing that motivates you.

For example, I had a conversation with my patient, Cindy. She talked about how hard it is for her to manage her diabetes because for a lot of her life, she used food as a coping skill. Now, that is not available to her. As she works to gain new coping skills, she looks at foods she wants to eat but asks herself, “is the taste and satisfaction of eating this food today worth the damage it will do down the line.” Because she knows diabetes can take pieces of her body up to and including her life, she answers “No” to eating that food.

Cindy’s WHY might be that she wants better blood sugar control so she can keep her limbs and her life longer than if she might otherwise. The next step is the ask, WHY does she want to keep her limbs and live longer? She might say that she wants to be healthy and live a long life so she can see her sons explore and create their lives. Going deeper by asking WHY to each answer might finally get her to her “real” WHY. I don’t know what that is, but for her and for you, keep asking until you get to your real WHY, your true motivation for making change in your life.

This WHY becomes your focus, your north star. Things like getting your blood sugar into control are the steps to achieving your WHY. From here, you can set realistic goals and set yourself up for success.

1. Start with 1 goal. You might have a number of them but having one goal will help you stay focused.

2. The changes you are making will take time because you are making new habits, a new insert into your daily routine.

3. The last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed. Too many goals can divert your attention.

4. Finally, with diabetes, the biggest thing is consistency – with eating, sleeping, exercise or any other life style change.

Dr Elaine

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

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