Ditch the Resolutions

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It’s the beginning of the year and with that comes a fresh perspective. We turn the calendar to a new year, make new starts and proclaim our New Year’s resolutions. As good as the intentions are, many of us fall back into the old habits. According to 2015 statistics, losing weight was the number ONE resolution only and 8% actually achieve their resolution. (1)

One of the problems with a resolution is that it we say we want to achieve something, but we haven’t made the plan to get to that resolution. The goal is usually the end result- if we don’t know where to begin or how to keep going, how do we meet our resolution? So, instead of declaring a resolution and not being able to stick with it, your focus should shift to what new habit you can create. Creating a habit will most likely offer a new way of doing something, therefore bringing different results.

Does this sound familiar?

If your ‘resolution’ is one of the following: lose weight, lose body fat, eat healthier, gain more energy, overall better health, know that all of these are linked together. While they are all linked together, they are all vague and provide little direction. The plan to help direct you to your goal/resolution should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and have a time associated with it. A S.M.A.R.T. goal.

Here are some more ways you can create healthy habits:

Set aside time for it. If you have never exercised before (or it’s been a long time), chances are you are doing something else with that time. Sleeping later, work, family obligations- you name it. Take a look at your schedule on a small scale and then look at the big picture. When can you find 30 minutes on a regular basis? Decide what works and go from there. Once you get in the habit, you will never remember how you found the time, just that you found it.

Found that time? Ok, now schedule it. Get out your planner, calendar, phone. Block the time. Exercise, food shopping, meal prep. Don’t schedule once- add it as a reoccurring item for the next year.

You have given yourself the gift of time- now show up for it. Spend that 15, 30, 60 minutes doing what you said you were going to do. A great workout can be done in a short amount of time. Meal prep for an entire week can be done in one part of an afternoon. Do it and move on.

Go easy on yourself, be kind and continue the encouragement. Tired, sick, just don’t feel like it are all common excuses. But once you get into the workout and then complete it, there is no better feeling. Remember what you are trying to accomplish. Feel good and proud that you are actually doing this.

Choose something you want to spend this time doing. You are going to be doing this frequently. There are a variety of exercise programs that can offer the results you are trying to achieve. If you don’t like to run, find something else that can raise your heart rate. Afraid of dumbbells? Ask a certified personal trainer how to use them effectively. Or try different equipment.

As you start to feel stronger, healthier, have more energy etc., the motivation and rewards allow you to continue creating the habit until it really sticks.

So go ahead and try to skip the resolutions and instead choose a habit to form. What’s your New Year’s habit going to be? Let us help you get motivated in 2017. Contact us to get started on your habit.

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