Your 2016 New Year’s Health and Fitness Resolutions have never been easier to keep.
It’s that time of year when you are no doubt thinking about what changes you’d like to make in your life for 2016. But the chances are at some time in your life you’ve made a New Year’s resolution and then broken it….
This year, stop the cycle of deciding to make change and then not following through. If your resolution is to look better, feel better or move better this year you will have a much better year if your resolution sticks and you achieve your health and fitness goals.
Here are Fit–2–Works 10 tips to make sure that this year’s resolutions stick for you!
- Write Your Ticket to Success
People who put their goals on paper are significantly more likely to achieve them than are those who merely make mental vows. As you enter the New Year, write your goals down and keep them somewhere that you will frequently see as a reminder of what you are working to achieve.
- Be Honest not Unrealistic
Being unrealistic shows ambition and is a good way to strive to achieve new things, however the surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. Be honest to yourself and set yourself goals that you can achieve. For instance, deciding to NEVER eat your favourite food again is setting you up to fail. Instead, strive for a goal that is attainable, such as avoiding that food more often.
- Plan Ahead
Don’t make your resolution at the last minute, if you wait until the last minute it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well in advance. Don’t worry if you haven’t decided on one yet, take time thinking about exactly what you want from the New Year and give this goal a purpose before you decide to commit to it.
- Use Temptation Techniques
Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have that piece of chocolate. Use techniques such as calling a friend for help, practise positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your “bad action” will affect your overall goal.
- Spread the Word
Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Tell all of your friends and family members who will be there to support you in changing yourself for the better or improve your health. When your resolution is openly known you are accountable to all who you have told and more likely to see it through.
- Buddy Up
Finding a buddy who shares your New Year’s resolutions a great way to stay on track and stay motivated. You can make a vow that you are both accountable to one another and motivate each other towards success.
- Break It Up
Short-term goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment will help to keep you motivated. Make one change at a time rather than trying to do too much too soon. Small changes are the fastest way to long-term sustained change. Instead of focusing on losing 10kg, of dropping multiple dress sizes focus on losing the first 2kg and then the following 2 and so on.
- Reward Yourself
This doesn’t mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to eat a better diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your resolution. If you have been sticking to your promise to eat better for weight loss, for example, reward yourself with new clothing for your new size.
- Track Your Progress
Keep a food or exercise journal or progress diary to help you stay on track and monitor your progress throughout the year. This is the best way to monitor your achievements as well as any detriments in working towards your goal.
- Stick to it and Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Obsessing over the occasional slips won’t help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take one day at a time. Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. It won’t happen overnight, so be patient, persistent and POSTIVE!
Happy New Year, All the best for 2016
From
The Fit-2-Work Team