KAWARTHA LAKES-Happy 2019, Kawartha Lakes!
With all the new year, new you buzz going on, I am sure you have a resolution or two that you are very excited about right now. But what about next week? Next month? By October? Will you still be as enthusiastic about your resolution?
The sad truth is, 80% of New Years resolutions fail by February, so much that, it’s become something we kind of know is going to fail so we don’t really take them that seriously anyway.
What if there was a way to really make all that you desire (weight loss, quit smoking, get fit, find a partner, pay off debt, stop drinking) actually happen? Well, there is!
Today I am going to tell you 4 ways you can actually KEEP those resolutions long term, so that by next year, you won’t be resolving to “lose weight” for the 17th year in a row.
- Stop Calling Them Resolutions and Start Calling Them Goals: A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something. It’s often vague and not time sensitive. A goal is an aim or desired result that is achieved through a plan, calculated efforts, and usually falls within a time frame. You could say “in 2019, I will lose weight!” or you could say “In 2019, I will start going to the gym 3 days per week and eat more vegetables; by doing this I will be 8 lbs lighter by March”. See how one is specific and organized while the other is vague, lofty, and not as concrete? There is an acronym to break down goals, it’s called SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Sensitive. If you can’t measure your resolution, it is too vague! So what did you resolve to do this year? If it was to lose weight; how much weight? By when? Is this realistic and are you committed? Ask yourself these questions and really hit those goals!
- Give Yourself a Deadline: A deadline is great because it forces us into massive action. I know if I have a deadline, I am a lot more clear and focused. It gives you a sense of urgency, but of course, it must be a realistic deadline. A deadline gives you an overview of how you will manage your time. Let’s go back to the weight loss example. If you want to lose 8lbs in two months, you’ll have to lose a pound per week. To do this, you will have to plan ahead and follow a schedule. Consistency is key, but knowing how you will manage your time and giving yourself a deadline will really keep you motivated.
- Is Your Goal Realistic? Many people give up their New Years resolutions simply because they are overwhelmed. To avoid getting flustered, break your goals up into smaller goals. Ask yourself, can this actually be done in the time frame I am expecting it to? The other reason people give up their resolutions is that they didn’t plan for failure. Plan for it, because slip ups WILL happen. All kinds of things can derail your efforts and so you have to plan ahead so you know how you will jump right back into goal-crushing mode.
- Keep Your Eyes on the Prize You won’t always feel as motivated as you do today. You aren’t always going to be inspired. So write down 10 reasons why you want this. Making changes takes commitment and so make sure you keep this list somewhere close by so that on those days when you are “kind of tired” and want to skip the gym, you know why you started in the first place.
Remember, making changes is not always easy. Usually these lifestyle habits and vices we have took a while to build, so naturally, they will take a little while to change, too. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and if you need extra help, consider hiring a coach or joining a group coaching program.
Go grab your FREE copy of my 48 hour Sugar Detox at http://www.sweathappywellness.com!
Becky Sheehey is a Holistic Health Coach, and a Pilates and Movement Expert with a background in Kinesiology. She lives in Lindsay.
