We’ve all seen the intense, passionate gung-ho mentality that magically comes with the new year. Plans for getting serious about losing that fifteen pounds or acquiring that new gym membership because “this time” you’re going to get serious about prioritizing your life goals. At the gym we call it “New Years Resolutioners” —but as annoying it is that our favorite machine may be taken upon our arrival, we quietly chuckle because we know well enough it’ll only last through February at best.
Every year we see enthusiasm for becoming healthier die out after the first month or two of the new year.
5 Steps to Making Resolutions that Last:
1. Start small. This may oppose the “Dream big” mentality we are taught from a very young age, however, I have found with my patients, clients and even in my own life that focusing on one or two small changes at a time sets you up for success more than trying to change ten things at once or setting the bar too high. You can have big goals, as long as you break them down into small, achievable, realistic steps. When you reach them, set new ones. This will give you momentum and the immense satisfaction that comes from making progress.
2. Set a deadline. If you want to be serious about making changes, you need to set a deadline. You have deadlines for projects at work, the time you need to pick up the kids and when to have dinner on the table, so why should your personal goals be any different?
3. Make a plan. Studies have shown time and time again that when goals are written down they are more likely to be achieved. When you have determined a realistic time frame for the changes you are trying to make, get your plan and timeline finalized in ink.
4. Get accountability. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Success is greater when you are held accountable. I can’t tell you how much it motivates me when a friend or client shoots me a text or email asking when my next post will be up. Tell your goals to someone who will keep you accountable (such as a family member, close friend, dietitian or personal trainer). Be sure you will have some kind of regular contact with this person so they can help you stay on track.
5. Chart your success. I like to have a calendar where I mark down every step I take toward a goal. There’s something motivating about celebrating small victories. In college when I was trying to eat healthier, I would put a star sticker on my calendar on the days that met my “healthy” criteria (which I had written down with my goals). During my marathon training, I marked the mileage I was “supposed” to clock-in (according to my training plan) in red, and my actual mileage in blue. This served as a great form of accountability because I would look at my planner every day and be able to quickly measure how if I was on track. This year as a gift I received something that will boost accountability for my goals throughout the entire year! It is a big, bold productivity calendar that covers half of my wall. Talk about accountability at its finest…
Now, boost your metabolism to kick off the year with the simple strategies I reveal in this amazing step-by-step guide:
