As a society, it seems we’re getting more and more health conscious every year, which means setting goals such as establishing a “healthy lifestyle” versus setting individual goals such as lose 10 pounds. However, as is the case with a lot of our well intentioned goals, by February 1st, many of us have either forgotten about or have given up on all the positive intentions we set for ourselves just a month earlier.
Why is it so hard for us to stick to these goals? That is a really good question! Whether it be on January 1 or July 11, we have to make sure goals we set aren’t also setting us up for failure from the start. We must actively make an effort to ensure we not only reach our goals, but that they also help us enact real, true change in our lives.
So how do we do this? Here are some simple, yet effective tips on how to actually stick to your New Year’s resolutions throughout the entire year (whether they are fitness oriented or not).
SET REALISTIC & SPECIFIC GOALS
While it’s great to shoot for the moon, setting a goal to completely overhauling your entire life starting on January 1st is not realistic, attainable or sustainable. Start small, be specific and build from there. If you haven’t worked out since setting last year’s resolutions, you’re likely not ready to go out and run 5 miles during your first workout. Setting unrealistic goals not only sets you up for failure, but also injury.
Additionally, be specific about your goals. For example, instead of making a resolution to “go to the gym more”, pick a specific number of days you want to workout, sit down with your calendar and schedule that time in just like you would a meeting or social engagement.
SET GOALS YOU’LL LOOK FORWARD TO
If you’ve tried a HIIT class and it’s just not something you enjoy, don’t feel like you have to force yourself into it just because it’s trendy or someone else says it’s good for you. Take some time to think about activities you ACTUALLY ENJOY and look for workouts and classes that either come close to these activities or have some elements of what you enjoy about that activity.
With so many amazing workout options on the market – from following one of your favorite new workout apps to taking a fun group fitness class – there is no doubt you’ll find something you’ll look forward to doing. If you happily anticipate what you’ve set out to do and actually enjoy doing it when the time comes, you’re much more likely to not only reach your goal, but stick to it – all while having fun!
SET MONTHLY GOALS
Setting an intention for the entire year is tough. Life is just too unpredictable to hold ourselves to such long-term, lofty goals. Instead, set new goals every month. Not only does this keep you actively engaged with what you’ve set out to do, but you can check in with yourself and make any necessary changes as they pop up. If you’ve already reached a goal, maybe take it to the next level and keep pushing yourself. If you set a goal that you haven’t been able to reach, replace it with something more realistic and see if that works.
ESTABLISH AN ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM
Accountability is everything, and there are countless ways to make yourself accountable for your goals. If you can’t hold yourself accountable to something by writing it down and checking it off, have someone else help you out. Whether you share your resolutions with a friend, family member or significant other, have them check in with you and help you stay on track.
If you have the budget for it, hire a trainer. It’s much harder not to show up to the gym when you have an appointment with someone and you know how much you’re paying for it!
FIND A RESOLUTION PARTNER
Many of us find it hard to stay motivated to eat better or exercise more. We know we need to do it, but sometimes we allow “life” to get in the way and not stay accountable to ourselves. The benefits of having a resolution partner are endless. Here are three reasons you should find one today:
- With a resolution partner it’s much more fun to workout, you’re going to do it more often, stick with it longer and in the end, you’ll get better results.
- Your resolution partner is counting on you to be on track with them.
- You’re planning your workouts in advance and making sure you are there for your buddy and for yourself. Pick workout classes you can attend together, head to the gym at the same time and put dates in the calendar so you can actually stick to them.
MAKE IT ABOUT MORE THAN WEIGHT LOSS
While weight loss is certainly a needed part of getting healthy for some and can often make us feel better in certain ways, focusing solely on the scale is not only unsustainable, it’s often not healthy and can be totally un-motivating. Instead, focus on working on your overall health and wellness, which will inevitably have positive effects on your appearance and the way you feel about it.
FOCUS ON IMPROVEMENTS, NOT PERFECTION
If you find yourself not keeping to the promises you made before this year began or if you are falling into some bad habits, don’t beat yourself up. Changing bad habits and working towards a new healthy lifestyle takes consistent time and effort. Positive changes will not be made if you are hurling criticisms at yourself. If you miss a day of workouts or you have an unhealthy eating day, don’t use that as an excuse to beat yourself up and stop your entire program. Remember why you set the goal in the first place and jump right back in! Keep going…Look forward and focus on improvement over perfection.
REWARD YOURSELF
Coming up with a reward system sets up your own personal incentive to stick to your resolutions. For example, at the end of every month when you complete your fitness goals, treat yourself to a massage or a new piece of fitness gear you’ve been looking at. Or, at the end of each week, indulge in a favorite treat. You can also set bigger goals like a fun trip or a big ticket item you spend the year saving up for, but only allow yourself to have a reward if you’ve stuck to and have achieved your goals!
TREAT EVERY DAY LIKE JANUARY 1
While the start of a new year is a great time to begin working on new goals, it’s really just a number on a calendar in the end. If you don’t start a new routine on January 1st, that doesn’t mean you’ve missed out on the one day a year you’re allowed to improve yourself and your life. You can set and start resolutions ANY day of ANY year. So if you are not able to get started on January 1st…start on January 2nd! Make it happen!
JOIN THE STACEY RENEE FIT MEMBERSHIP
This exclusive Tribe will help you accomplish all of the above resolutions in a FUN and EFFECTIVE way! If you are serious about getting fit in 2019, join us! We will help you get there!
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MEMBERSHIP NOW!
To my family, friends and the entire Fit Tribe…we wish you all a very Happy 2019!
Sincerely,
Stacey Renee
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