It is that time of year again, hours from now we will begin a new year! And with that an opportunity to make a fresh start. To embrace the New Year and new beginning, many of us will make New Year’s Resolutions. For some, it will be to get in shape or lose weight, for others to get a handle on their debt and for some it will be to find more balance and time with loved ones and friends. No matter what your resolutions, make sure yours have personal meaning for you. After all resolutions are nothing more than goals, with a different name and a “once a year” status attached to them!
Statistics show that only 46% of us actually keep our resolutions beyond 6 months! Why is this so? For many it becomes hopeful or wishful thinking to achieve our resolutions or goals, as opposed to wanting and working ourselves to achieve them. We can’t sit back and get Jillian’s’ arms by hoping them into reality. We have to put the work in. Here are some tips to keeping and achieving your new years’ resolutions!
1-Educate yourself
First, you need to be fully aware of what it is you want to achieve. Remember resolutions are simply goals that we set once a year! One of the main setbacks many of us face is a lack of understanding or knowledge as to how we can achieve our resolution. You wouldn’t just go buy a car without first learning more about it. What is the fuel economy, financing options and safety ratings are questions you might ask. The same goes with buying a home. You would get a full inspection before purchasing. You are your biggest investment and should treat yourself that way, especially when setting goals. Let’s say you want to go back to school and finish your degree. You can’t show up one day and begin. There is a process, usually including an application and application fee, transcripts and other formalities. Being prepared and educated will help set you up for a greater success rate.
2- Game plan
The next step is to formulate a plan for achieving your goal. Having a plan is like having map, a route giving you directions and steps to take to make your resolution more manageable. Let’s say you want to lose 20 lbs. In step 1 you would first find out how to lose 20 lbs. which would take a little time to research. From this you would have learned that a loss of 1-2 lbs. per week is reasonable and healthy. Now you can formulate a plan for how to do this, mixing cardio and resistance training along with managing your food intake. You can now create a workout schedule and food plan and have a solid game plan in place!
3-Get support
Have you ever heard the expression, “the best laid plans…”? Meaning sometimes we have the knowledge and the plan in place and simply need some help with action or doing part. This is where having a support system in place is key. Research looking at weight loss subjects, found that those whose partner or spouse supported or also engaged in a weight loss plan, had a greater success rate. It is very important that our environment, friends and loved ones are all clued in and supportive of our resolution. Sometimes just communicating your goals can aid you in creating a sense of reality about them. Others may ask about your progress which can help keep you on track! Set yourself up for success by creating your own support system. Make sure your home environment is in line with your resolution. Get rid of clutter, bad food and excess and create a clean, organized home to launch your mission from. Having the support system you need will help keep you on track and motivated!
Cheers to a New Year and a New You!
