New Years Resolutions!

New Year's Resolutions.  Whether you love them or hate them, the tradition still runs strong. A simple Google search will pull up over 24-million internet pages about how to set them, keep them, and ignore them. And much of the information is snooze-worthy, to say the least.

Setting a few resolutions at the beginning of each calendar year is a curious concept when you think about it.  How does waiting until January 1 to make the declaration increase our level of success and commitment?  Why is it that even after starting out strong, with great determination, we soon find ourselves relying solely on willpower and grit? 

If you find yourself making resolutions, yet floundering with the follow-through, you’re not alone.  Let’s take a look at the pitfalls associated with traditional resolutions and explore mindset shifts that will help you achieve your goals:

1. Resolutions are based on ideas of what you “should” do, but not what you “want” to do.   
When outside pressure makes you feel as if you “should” implement a change in your life, that’s a problem! Stop “should-ing” all over yourself and start thinking about the changes you “want” to make.   If you notice a bit of excitement bubble up when you think of what you want, you’re on the right track!  

2. Resolutions are focused on the need to have more, ignoring our current blessings. 
With the onset of a New Year, our ambitions are naturally directed towards dreaming big and setting goals for the upcoming year. However, these goals often inherently emphasize the gaps between where you are today compared to where you want to be in the future.  Rather than focusing on gaining more of what you don’t have, stay present and acknowledge the abundance you do have!  

3. They look good on paper but often lack execution.
Pulling out a fancy journal and your favorite pen to write out a resolution is pretty to the eye, but that’s where it often ends. The next step is to create an execution strategy that will outline how to accomplish what you set out to achieve. Try to break it down into actionable steps, create a vision board, or strategically map out your plan. And don’t be surprised when distractions pop up; this is completely normal and means you’re doing something right!  

4. Beware of distracting shiny objects. 
As the New Year wears on and the ‘newness’ of your resolutions begins to wane, shiny new objects may begin to appear, competing for your attention. Soon, you find yourself focused on a different project or creating another list of things to accomplish. More than likely, it will have little to do with where you started and cause you to give up your original commitment. But, if you design your road map for the next 365 days based on the results you want, your level of confidence, motivation, and commitment will rise to the occasion and help you stay on course.     

5. Resolutions don’t include a back-up plan for obstacles.
Whether we easily get discouraged or simply lose interest, 90% of people give up on resolutions.  Even if we genuinely believe in our ability to make changes, obstacles and tests are bound to arise. So, when they show up, remember to stay present, think through the challenge and create a back-up plan to keep your momentum going. As we all know too well, a failure to plan is a plan to fail! 

What kind of changes and improvements will you be working toward this coming year?  We’d love to know!

Patient Testimonials

Dr Don Sharnowski is a doctor who is above and beyond all other doctors! Probably his most outstanding quality is that he LISTENS to what his patients say. He is willing to explain things to his patients in terms they can understand. Dr Don treats his patients with wisdom, understanding, gentleness, care, encouragement and he is willing to "go the extra mile" to give his patients the proper treatment they need. He does not treat patients like they were on an assembly line or like he is rushing them out the door. Dr Don has fixed many of the problems I had at my first visit, one of which I had endured for 3 years. Dr Don was able to fix that problem in 2 weeks when others had not. Dr Don has also helped me loose 40 lbs so far. My total recovery is still an ongoing process, but should be a cinch with Dr Don's expert help! Thank you, Dr Don! You are an awesome answer to prayers!

Karen G.

Super Awesome Doctor in Overland Park, Kansas!! He really knows his stuff love his Holistic approach. Wish I lived closer so I could see him on the regular, at least we can chat on the regular! Very informative in all aspects of health! Five years ago this man took our health and turned it around 360 degrees. My son got ear infections very often. Both my boys have respiratory issues. My husband asthma and overweight. Myself aches and pains, specifically on my left side and joints. Well needless to say no more ear infections respiratory not nearly as often my husband is 80lbs less and never uses his inhaler . My sons ear infections...What ear infections...They are no longer! Thanks Dr. Don for all you do and have done!!

Lots of Love from The Stevens

Dr Don Sharnowski is truly an amazing Doctor. He listens to his patients and treats in a very complete way. He is very knowledgeable because he never stops learning. He is a great communicator and will help you learn better ways to be healthy if you will actually do what he teaches.

Cassie N.

Don (Dr Sharnowski) is truly one of a kind. He is warm, inviting and incredibly generous with his time, but also really knowledgeable about the body and everything within. You won't find crystal balls here. You'll find a super nice guy in sneakers who also sells farm fresh eggs at the counter. I went in expecting to get adjusted (and was scared, because I'd never seen a chiro before). Instead, what I experienced was someone who actually sat down and listened to my history, connected the dots between several ailments (instead of jumping to prescribe one drug apiece to treat each one), and explained things that no one had ever taken the time to do. I was there about my back specifically, but we talked about my whole health. Instead of just prescribing an anti inflammatory (which is what my other doc did), he explained why we get inflammation in our bodies, and how to help reduce it with what we eat. I've also been on thyroid medication for over 10 years, and he actually explained what the thyroid is, and what the drug I take is, and what it does. But not in a defensive or overly crunchy way. He just openly explained in a way that I could understand it. I highly recommend Don to anyone with a body who wants to feel better. His approach is approachably holistic. Just common sense, whole body-centered treatment.

Megh K.

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