It’s the last month of the year! Can you believe it? 2022 is almost over and it feels like it’s sped by. So many things have happened and it always catches me by surprise when I realize that another year is coming to a close.

 

I recently started doing a year-in-review for myself and my business. I’ve never done one before. I always wanted to, but with Christmas and all four of my kids having birthdays in the 30 days after Christmas, I never seemed to get around to it. There just never seemed enough time to sit down and complete it! With all the planning and shopping and cooking and taking care of normal life too, sitting still and reviewing my year didn’t ever hit the top of my to-do list.

 

 

But I’m doing it this year. I’ve gotten to July so far and let me tell you, it’s a great exercise! The sheer number of things I did in the first 6 months of the year, never mind the accomplishments and experiences is so encouraging to see. You might be like me – I rarely look back, but when I do I can feel like I haven’t gotten anything done. At least, I can’t remember what I got done, so all I can see is what there still is to do on my list.

But when I look back, I realize that all the things I planned and scheduled and made time for – those things happened. So now I’m motivated to look forward to seeing what else I can create in my life. You might want to take a few minutes and review your calendar or planner for the past year and see what YOU created this year!

But even if you don’t do a year-in-review, you can still create something great, even in this last remaining month of the year. You just have to decide.

How do you want to spend the last month of 2022? How do you want to start 2023? Where do you want your weight to be as you begin another year? How much could you accomplish with the remaining 4 weeks of the year?

 

 

It’s easy for us to coast on our weight loss plans at the end of the year. We fall into the trap of thinking that we’ll just pick up our plan or make a new one in the New Year. But then we pick up another 5-10 pounds during the holidays because we took our foot off the gas. Then comes the regret and frustration and hustle to find the latest and greatest new fad weight loss plan.

 

Wouldn’t you rather start the new year without all that drama? Wouldn’t you feel great dropping a couple of pounds and feeling like you have a start on your New Year’s plan already?

 

It just takes a decision.

 

Decide you’ll stay aware for the last month of the year. No zoning out, no giving up, no going unconscious for the final 8% of the year. Because every month matters – all your efforts add up! And you don’t have to make any complicated plan that won’t work when the in-laws show up for Christmas or you go on a trip. Make small decisions that you can fit into your life. You could decide to plan your meals the day before. Nothing complicated, just decide what you’ll eat the next day so the surprise doughnuts in the breakroom don’t catch you off guard. You’re making spaghetti tomorrow for dinner? Make that your dinner plan too.

How about recommitting to eating only for hunger and stopping when you’re politely full? What if you only eat on a salad plate for your meals when you’re hungry? How about getting on the scale so you know where you’re starting from? It’s just a starting point – the number on the scale is not the enemy. It’s information that gives you the power to make a decision. These are only a few ideas of ways you can commit to yourself and your weight loss plan for the end of the year – you can come up with others!

 

 

You are in control of how you finish the year. You can decide if you want to do things differently than you have in past years. Some of you have already begun changing your relationship with food and diets – keep it up! But if you haven’t, it’s not too late. You can still make a plan – today is a great day to start!

 

If you want more support to help you finish the holiday season strong on your weight loss journey, head to the website and gift yourself my Mindful Eating Meditations and/or Weight Loss For The Holidays – it’s not too late! I’m also launching a Sister Love Self Love challenge for a few days next week, so make sure you’re on my email list so you can sign up – there’s going to be a cozy gift for the most engaged member of the challenge!

And if you want to work with me, Weight Loss for Black Professionals is coming in January 2023! Watch for the webinar signups and get your email on my list – you’ll be the first to get to sign up!

 

Here’s your video help for the week!