You know the drill. You make your New Year’s resolutions, and for a few weeks you are on top of your game. You’re going to the gym every week or you’re going running every day. Then something happens – maybe you get sick or have to stay late at work – and suddenly, it becomes very difficult to stay motivated. Bummer.
We don’t want this to happen, so here are some simple things that you can do to prevent yourself from falling off the wagon.
Make a proper plan. People often skip this step when they’re making their resolutions, but it’s very important. You have to know what you’re going to do. You can worry about actually doing it later, but make a plan first. Be specific! It’s got to be specific enough that you know exactly what you’ll be doing for your resolution at any given time.
Make it easy for yourself. If you want to go to the gym, put a bag of your gym equipment in the car and leave it there. If you want to go running every morning, put your running clothes right beside your bed. Don’t leave everything lying around the house where you have to go and collect it every morning. You’re only making it harder for yourself.
Get a partner. Find a friend who’s also got New Year’s resolutions they need help keeping. Receiving a text each evening asking ‘what have you done for your resolution today?’ is a very good motivator to get up and get something done. You can do the same for them.
Set smaller goals. Split up your big resolution into smaller goals that you can achieve in about a week. If you want to work out 3 times a week, for instance, first set the goal to go once. Then try to go once a week. Then try to go twice a week, and build up to it like that.
And of course, reward yourself. Rewards are important! That doesn’t mean you can buy yourself a chocolate for every time you say no to a soda, though. Get yourself a nice haircut or make yourself your favourite kind of tea – things that won’t set you back on your New Year’s Resolutions.
Good luck!
Be sure to visit XLS Medical for more tips and information.
I’m working on my food intake, water and exercise!
I’m tracking everything I eat and all exercise I do. It seems to be the only way to keep myself in line!
Awesome tips. I don’t make resolutions, but I manage to keep myself healthy year round, so it’s all good.
love these tips!
Totally totally agree!!
I think I already need to revisit my resolutions…should have made a better plan.
Thanks for all of the tips! I need to start small and start walking again!
I am a firm believer in setting goals and rewarding yourself when you accomplish them!
great tips, I need to set smaller goals!
Small goals = big accomplishments!
I agreeeeeee!!
My only real goal for this year was to live greener. I don’t know if I’m doing the best I can but I’m going to post little signs up to remind me to reuse, reduce and recycle more!