Reach Your Heart Health Goals

You’re not alone if you’ve already given up on some of your 2023 goals. Research shows nearly 80% of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by February 1. But don’t be discouraged before you even get started on your journey to a healthier heart. Goals-and 28-day heart challenges-tend to stick better when you frame them as affirmations.

Affirmations are a positive approach to goal-setting because the way these goals are stated makes you consider them promises to yourself, which makes you less likely to self-sabotage.

Affirmations are written in the present tense so you won’t procrastinate-and the more specific and measurable your affirmations, the better. In addition, the more you revisit them-by saying them out loud and putting them on post-it notes where you will see them often-the more likely you will achieve them.

Here’s the difference between a weak goal and strong affirmations.

Weak Goal

• I will do something for my heart every day.

Strong Affirmations

• I walk at least 30 minutes daily to keep my heart healthy, so I can be there for my grandchildren as long as possible.
• I am eating 500 fewer calories daily, so I can lose one pound a week until I reach my ideal weight of 145 pounds.
• I schedule one hour of quiet time every Sunday to relax, and reduce my stress levels before going back to work on Monday.

While terms like “positive psychology” and “affirmation” may not sound very medicinal, there’s evidence that an optimistic outlook can help protect your heart. On the other hand, people prone to negative emotions, depression and stress have a higher risk for increased heart rates, elevated blood pressure, and heart disease.

So, it’s time to affirm your commitment to heart health-one step, one goal, one positive change at a time.

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