In 2011 I shifted how I look at my life in the new year from the traditional New Year resolutions to a wellness vision. In brief, a wellness vision defines how you will live a healthy life in the coming year. I particularly like this document from the IDEA Health and Fitness Association. It sums up wellness visions in less than in three pages.

A wellness vision is supported by goals similar to New Year resolutions.  The similarity ends with the appearance. In a wellness vision, the goals are driven by the vision statement. The goals are the means by which the vision of wellness is achieved. It can be a tedious exercise of self-evaluation that is undertaken to write effective goals.

“I am a happy, healthy person who draws on my talents, life experiences and passions to motivate myself and others to be mentally, emotionally and physically fit.” – Tom’s Wellness Vision

My wellness vision has remained virtually unchanged in three years. It very much defines how I see using my strengths and talents to motivate myself and others to be fit. Since my weight loss surgery, I have a passion to advocate the importance of living an active life to achieve wellness, good health and happiness.

Supporting goals change yearly in my wellness vision. Goals need to be specific, measurable, achievable yet challenging, and constrained by an element of time. I set these goals by looking at where I am today and honestly ask myself where I want to be a year from now. Most importantly, I ask myself how these goals will help me achieve my wellness vision.

2012 was a good year. I achieved just about all of the goals in my 2012 wellness vision. I very much lived my wellness vision. I began running and exceeded my running goals. I exceeded all my cycling goals. If I were to identify an area of weakness, it would be my dietary habits. I was not a failure but there is definitely room for improvement.

For 2013 I have fourteen goals. I am very goal oriented person and love focusing on multiple goals at the same time. It is an achievable number for me. You can read the goals here. I am briefly summarizing them below.

• Social Networking – This year I am continuing my commitment to blog and contribute to bariatric social networking communities. My focus will be on the importance of taking personal responsibility for achieving a healthy and active life.
• Interpersonal Relationships – I am continuing to lead and actively participate in bariatric communities. With my growing interest in running, hiking and cycling, I am committing to be active in these groups. I am joining the amateur photography community to expand my knowledge and enjoyment of the hobby.
• Healthy Eating – I continue to remind myself of good bariatric eating principles. Conscious of my heart health, I am eating less red meat, more lean protein meats, fish and vegetarian foods avoiding processed foods. My major goal here is to return to a BMI of less than 30.
• Active Life – This year is a year of many challenges. I am running at least eight races with one being my first half marathon. I am cycling multiple multi-day tours and cycling events. I feel strongly about bicycle advocacy and am focusing on cycling advocacy in the Akron area.

2013 is going to be exciting. I stepped up the goals and stretched myself. I know that I can only grow when I stretch the limits. I am comfortable doing this because of my personal support network. Support is central to my success. I am fortunate to have so many caring supportive people in my life.

2013 here I come!