5 Tips To Keeping Your New Year’s Resolution

This time every year I like to reflect, think about the goals I set the previous year. The goals I met and the ones I forgot about. I have definitely stayed on my fitness journey, although I am not where I would like to be. However, it’s impossible to undo years of damage in a few months, but it’s possible to develop new (healthy) habits. I have to tell myself this regularly. 😁

As I plan for 2017 I am thinking about why I was able to achieve more of my resolutions in 2016 than previous years. I realized I followed 5 simple rules and I am going to share them with you!

#1- Start small!

When most of us begin to think of resolutions/goal we start to broad; be fit, eat healthy, save more money. While those are all great goals, they are long term. Resolutions Should focus on short term goals.

For example: If your goal is to be healthier/loose weight start with small obtainable goals. Start with working out 3-4 days a week. Once you have consistently worked out for 3-4 days per week, change your short term goal- maybe increase the number of times per week or the total time you spend working out.

The truth is, as humans, we want immediate results but it’s impossible. If you set short term goals that assist you on your path to your long term goal(s) you are more likely to stay on track.

#2- Change one behavior at a time!

This goes hand in hand with starting small.

Being a healthier you in the new year is a great goal, but if you start a new workout program, cut out alcohol, desserts, and carbs all in one week you’re likely to get over whelmed and stop.

Solution: start your workout plan and modify your diet. If you usually drink wine/beer everyday cut it out during the week. Pack a salad for lunch rather than eating out with coworkers. Once these steps become second nature start modifying other aspects of your diet.

#3- Talk about it!

It’s so important to talk about your goals/resolutions!

Tell your friends/family/social media about your goals. This will help keep you accountable and your friends can help motivate you!

#4- Document your journey!

You don’t have to share before and after photos on instagram but I highly recommend taking photos regularly. It’s difficult for us to see the small changes in the mirror, comparing photos makes it easier to see progress. Progress = motivation!

#5- Celebrate the small victories!

Remember you’re not a dog.

After a week of maintaining your workout routine and/or diet don’t celebrate with ice cream. Reward yourself with something that will make you feel good long term, a manicure or new workout pants. A reward should help you stay motivated not hinder the process!