As we approach the beginning of a new year, it is only natural that thoughts turn to resolutions. While most of us are enthusiastic about our resolutions on January 1st, most fizzle out by the time we’re addressing our Valentines. Whether you resolve to improve your health and fitness, financial well-being, organizational habits, or other areas of your life, here are some tips to help you make your changes stick.
1. One Thing at a Time
It might be tempting to look at the start of a new year as the start of a whole new you, but your chances for success dwindle if you try to change too many things at once. Rather than vowing to lose weight, give up sweets, and stop online shopping, pick one of these things and devote yourself to accomplishing that goal.
2. Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
Along with focusing on one specific area, it is also helpful to break your goal into bite-sized chunks. Instead of saying “I will to lose 50 pounds by spring,” or “I will to work out every day,” try setting more realistic goals, like losing 10 pounds or working out three times a week.
3. A Spoon Full of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down
Don’t take this one literally! But, instituting discipline in on one area of your life can leave you feeling frazzled and grumpy. It’s a good idea to treat yourself in other ways or engage in activities that enhance your mood. For example, if you meet your goal of working out three times a week for an entire month, you might treat yourself to a massage.
4. Don’t Go All In
Sometimes an all or nothing philosophy can do more harm than good. Vowing to never eat sugar again or cut out all carbs can backfire when you feel extreme deprivation. Setting reasonable and achievable expectations can help you stick with it when the going gets tough.
5. See the Success You Want to Be
Many professional and world-class athletes practice visualization as a part of their training regimens. Imagine what success would look like for you. Spend some time meditating on that mental image, or even post a picture somewhere that will frequently remind you of your goal.
6. Don’t Get Discouraged
Everyone slips up at one time or another. If you have a setback, write it off to just that – a setback – not a complete failure. Dust yourself off and get right back to your plan the next day.
7. Ask for help.
It’s always easier to have someone by your side than to go it alone. Enlist your family, friends, or a professional to help encourage and support your goals. If your aim is to get healthier in 2016, one of our professional trainers here at Beechmont Racquet and Fitness would be happy to help devise a plan for your success.
Whatever you wish for in 2016, we hope you achieve it. Here’s to a happy, safe, and successful year!