So. Have you made some new years resolutions? Let me guess...
1. Lose Weight
2. Eat healthier
3. Work out more often
3. Lower some debt
4. Improve a relationship
5. Advance in or change a current job
6. Focus more in a chapter of your life you feel you have been neglecting
7. Spend more time doing things you enjoy - Travel, hobbies, time with family and friends....
8. Buy a new car or move
Now. We are 2 weeks into the New Year. Have you been sticking to or working towards these goals???
Here are some tips to maintain and reach your New Years Resolutions.
1. Set realistic goals The more difficult your goal is the less chance you will reach it. Set goals you KNOW you can reach. If you want to lose 10 pounds allow yourself a healthy 2 months to do so instead of 1 week. In addition, specify your goals. Instead of just lose weight, decide on how much exactly you want to lose and work towards that number.
2. Baby Step your way to your final goal Small accomplishments will lead to larger accomplishments if you keep the final accomplishment in mind. If you want to start to work out 5 days a week, start with 2 days per week and set that goal for the first month. The next month work out 3, the next 4 and the next 5. With each baby step you take you are much more likely to take the next! And it's easier!!
3. Find support sista! When you are held accountable for your actions you are much more likely to do as you promise. Find someone to achieve your goals with, or someone you know will hold you accountable. Another option is to hire a trainer/coach to keep you focused and motivated. When you invest financially into your goals you are more determined to keep them.
4. Keep track of your progress When you can visually see your results over time you tend to stay more motivated. Find a pretty journal or keep a chart somewhere convenient to track your goal reaching progress. This task can be a goal within itself so keep your tracking material in sight and set a time of the day and week to record. Right before bed is a good time : )
5. Remove Temptations Trying to lose weight - don't bring home ANY sweets. If they are not in your pantry you won't eat them. If you are trying to save money skip the mall or eating out and get creative with your current wardrobe and that new, trendy cookbook! Who doesn't love a woman who can cook? ;
6. Accept setbacks We are all human. If you mess up and a container of ice cream sneaks into your basket, onto your couch, and into your tummy....and this massive amount of guilt overtakes you like an erupting volcano....take a minute to reflect on how far you have come and realize the oops isn't life ending, it was just a minor set-back. Instead of weakening into a 3 day junk food binge CHECK YOURSELF and get back on the horsie. 3 days of binging - which leads to missing workouts, as we all know, is much more destructive to your goals then a little bit of ice-cream. Forgive yourself and move on. 80% success, 20% failure. You will be just fine!!
7. Reward yourself! This is a biggie because what is better than the award or pat on your back at the end of the race for all your hard work! You finished it!! Think of what will be a great reward for you - be it a relaxing, well deserved massage or a new pair of shoes! Don't stop until you are on that table or they are in your closet!!
It takes 21 days to create a habit and 6 months for it to become part of your daily life. If you mess up today, remember tomorrow is a new day. You have only failed if you quit…so be realistic, reward yourself for baby steps, and keep on keeping on!
For help with reaching your goals contact me! I am excellent at holding you accountable!!
christine@glamorouslyhealthy.com
Health and Happiness,
Christine Campbell
