Remove 'Stress' and Trust the Process for a Healthier, Happier 2019
*By Chloe Aiello*
Stress and the pressure of perfection all too often get in the way of achieving goals ー or at this time of year, resolutions. But rethinking stress, "trusting the process," and practicing gratitude are some simple ways to make serious strides, according to Monica Berg, author of "Fear is Not an Option" and chief communications officer for the Kabbalah Centre.
About 80 percent of resolutions made for the New Year fail by the second week of February, [U.S. News reported in 2015](https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2015-12-29/why-80-percent-of-new-years-resolutions-fail). The reason so many fail is because the goals and resolutions made often "aren't really on the mark," Berg told Cheddar on Wednesday.
"Why do you want to lose weight? Why do you want to eat healthier? What is behind the goal you've set for yourself? There's something underlying and I think that's really the more immediate thing that needs addressing," she said. "There's something far more important that needs addressing that is harder to do, which is why we don't do it. We avoid the difficult things."
But if goal-setters are willing to dig deeper, anything is achievable from a place of self-care, Berg said. And hand-in-hand with self-care comes gratitude. It's a buzzy concept, but Berg said stopping to congratulate yourself for previous accomplishments can provide motivation for the next wave of them.
Lastly, eliminate stress, which might actually be easier than it sounds. Berg acknowledged that life is stressful, but she said she no longer uses the word "stress," as it is synonymous with "fear."
"Stress is when you are not sure of the outcome. You have an idea how you want things to go, you know how it should end up, exactly how it should be. But when it doesn't turn out that way, you get upset, you get stressed out, you get anxious," she said.
Instead of focusing on that perfect outcome and inviting stress into your life, instead focus on the journey to get there, Berg said. And try replacing "stressed" with something else, like "excited."
"If you decide that you put energy and time into the things you love, then there is nothing to get stressed about," she said.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/embracing-change-and-stressing-less-in-2019).
Yumeka Rushing, Chief Strategy Officer at the NAACP, talks about the private sector's commitment toward racial equity and how the NAACP is attracting younger Americans to the organization's latest initiatives.
Lydia Simmons, founder of 'Moms Official Objective' or 'M.O.O.,' joins Cheddar News to discuss nutritional and hormonal support products for every stage of womanhood.
Plant-based hair extension company Rebundle recently raised $1.4 million in a pre-seed round led by M25. The company based in St. Louis says it is revolutionizing hair extensions with more comfort and less waste. Rebundle's braiding hair is made from a non-toxic, biodegradable plant, which the company says is better for the scalp and the environment. Rebundle Co-Founder and CEO Ciara Imani May and Co-Founder and CMO Danielle Washington joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
The metaverse platform Decentraland hosted its first wedding over the weekend. The union was overseen by Rose Law Group, at the firm's virtual property, hosting witnesses including 2,000 guests. The ceremony endured some technical glitches before being completed.
Alex Monaco, Host of 'The Bettor Half Hour,' joins Cheddar News to discuss what viewers can expect from MSG's 'Bet-A-Palooza,' and what casual sports fans should know about sports betting.
Actor, singer, and dancer Joey Fatone can now add chef to his repertoire, partnering with Schlotzsky’s, a pizza and sandwich restaurant franchise, to introduce the "Fatone Calzone." The triple threat entertainer joined Cheddar News to talk about the partnership as well as a potential NSYNC reunion. "So, it's like everybody's kind of everywhere. It's that moment of saying, do we want to get together? Do we do it? And how is it going to be done? You know, that kind of stuff. So, who knows? Never say never. Never say never," he explained.
The gaming industry has been under the spotlight so far this year following some big mergers and acquisitions. This week featured earnings of three major gaming companies, but also Meta and for the latter, things are not doing too hot. Joining Cheddar News to break it all down was Kenny Rosenblatt, President and Co-Founder of Arkadium.
