6 tips to guarantee this is the year you achieve your resolutions
It’s New Years' resolution time!
This is the time of year when millions of people around the world resolve to make changes for the better in the New Year.
Three of the top 5 New Year’s Resolutions are to lose weight, exercise, and eat healthier.
However, by the second week of January, 25% of people will have already ditched their resolutions.
By the second week of February, 80% of people have!
And by year-end, only 8% will have stuck with their resolutions!
EIGHT PERCENT!
So what can you do to achieve your resolutions this year?
For starters, I should be clear that I am not a fan of resolutions.
I do love setting goals but think that it’s something we should be doing all year long, not just at the start of the New Year. Too many people will hold off on making changes, starting something new, or setting goals because they just hold out and wait for the New Year.
I feel like people eat more, exercise less, and throw in the towel on healthy eating because they are anticipating this big start on January 1st.
So, don’t worry about the date…..set goals and start NOW!
Below are 6 easy, tangible steps you can take now to achieve your goals this year:
Write them down
Studies have shown that you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down. That in itself should be enough for you to go get a pen and paper and start writing! When you write your goals down you are charting the path you want to take and clarifying exactly what it is that you want. Get a journal. I am a huge fan of journaling. You can write about your successes, struggles, and also your big reason WHY you want to achieve this particular goal. Then, when you are feeling frustrated you can refer back to your journal to see how far you have come and why you are doing this in the first place.
2. Have support and accountability
Studies have shown that when you commit to someone that you will achieve a goal, it increases your probability of success to 65%. When you create a specific accountability appointment with a person you are committed to, the odds increase to 95%! Be sure you find a coach or accountability partner who will push you and challenge you. You are looking for someone who will help to keep you on track, disciplined, and focused on your goals. My next Weight Loss for Life Program starts January 24th and includes individualized calorie counts, menu plans, weekly coaching, and daily support.
3. Set smaller benchmarks
Too often people focus on the big end goal. While I love big “impossible” goals, you need smaller benchmarks to track your progress and allow you to celebrate your successes along the way. It may take a good amount of time to achieve your end goal and you run the risk of losing motivation along the way. With smaller benchmarks, you will have tangible successes that allow you to see how far you have come and how much closer to your big goal you are. This will keep you motivated, excited, and feeling good just knowing that you are on the right track.
4. Learn from mistakes
Encountering a setback is one of the most common reasons why people give up on their goals. Too often people stumble and view it as a failure and give up. However, failure is an essential component of success. There will always be challenges. The key is to view them as learning opportunities and to get back up and continue.
5. Reward yourself along the way
Be sure to celebrate every win along the way. Just because you are not yet at the final goal doesn't mean that you have not come far and don’t deserve to be celebrated. Celebrate how far you have come and be proud of yourself. If you have come this far, it is proof that you can achieve your goal! Remember, it is about progress, not perfection.
6. Enjoy the process
Too often I see people get so caught up in achieving the goals that they forget to enjoy the process and love the journey. Weight loss is a journey. Even though it feels like it, you didn’t gain weight overnight. Likewise, you won’t lose it overnight. Learn to enjoy the process of learning to eat healthier, to exercise more, to value your body, and to feel better! It is easy to focus on hitting the next goal or fitting into the next size smaller pants. But focus on how much more energy you have. How much stronger you feel. How much healthier you feel and will feel when you continue on your journey. Think about the boost in confidence you will have. Be sure to find activities that you actually enjoy and look forward to doing. If you are only exercising to lose weight but hate what you are doing, it will be difficult to stick with it. Find things you love about what you are doing and enjoy the journey.
I have worked with nearly 1,000 men and women helping them to lose weight and keep it off for life. I know you can do this! I am here to help so please reach out with your questions!
For more inspiration, support and community, be sure to join my free Facebook group Weight Loss for Life.