As January hits, everyone talks about change. This change usually includes getting fit, losing weight, getting more sleep, saving more money, and/or other ambitious health and fitness goals. These so-called, “new year’s resolutions” are great as they help you establish goals, but close to 30% of Britons won’t stick to the changes, so it’s pretty clear that most of us need some direction on how to KEEP and achieve these annual objectives. This said, we’ve come up with five top tips to help you follow-through on these January improvements and incorporate them to becoming a very real part of your life.
Define and write down realistic goals. It’s really important to make your goals and ambitions a reality. Make them tangible from the start, so define what you want to improve within reason and write it down on a piece of paper. Stick the paper on your refrigerator or someplace just for you, so you’re reminded of your goals daily. Make sure you’re defining goals that are both manageable and achievable, i.e. don’t set a goal of running a marathon in three months if you’ve never run a step in your life. Keep in mind that something is better than nothing; so set goals that are clearly within your reach.
Tell people about your goals. It’s true, if you want to succeed in achieving big change, you’ll need support. The odds of failing will be a lot less if you share your goals with your friends and family.
Schedule it! We’re busy! If you meet a friend for coffee, you add it to the diary, right? The same holds true for your resolutions. If you want to get to the gym or go for a run, schedule it and stick to it. You’ll then have the foresight of what needs to be done on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis and you won’t be able to use the excuse of not having enough time to fit things in.
Finds something you enjoy if not love. Everyone knows exercise is good for you and that really is in any form. If you like walking, walk daily. If you like running, get into a running schedule. If you like yoga or the gym atmosphere, then get to the gym. There really is something for everyone and, chances are, if you’re having fun with your exercise you’re more likely to stick to your goals.
Finally, don’t beat yourself up. Everybody falls and progress is not linear. There will be challenges. Many times you’ll take three steps forward and then fall two back…and that’s okay. You’re still moving forward. That’s the most important thing. Keep trying, keep at it, don’t give up, and if you stumble, pick yourself up and get back to the plan.
Talk to us! If you find yourself struggling with any of your new health, fitness, nutritional, or lifestyle goals, do contact us at Sana Vita. We make it our mission to not only help and motivate you to be fitter, stronger, and healthier, but we want a happier you, too!
Good luck and Happy 2016!
