All of us are aware of the chances at some point in life, we have made New Year’s resolutions — resolving to make changes and then not following through.
So this coming 2023, it’s time to break that cycle. If your resolution is to take better care of yourself and get healthy, you will have a much better year if your resolution sticks. Here are six tips to help you get started.
1. Choose a Specific Goal
Every year, millions of adults resolve to “lose weight,” “be more productive,” or “get in shape” during the next year.
Instead of selecting such an ambiguous goal, focus on something more concrete that you can realistically set your sights on. In other words, choose a very specific, achievable goal and don’t make ridiculous goals that you can’t keep.
For example, you might commit to losing 10kg, making daily to-do lists, or running a half-marathon. However be sure to make your goal realistic rather than drastic.
Choosing a concrete, achievable goal (like a doable 4kg weight loss after 6 months) also gives you the opportunity to plan exactly how you are going to accomplish (and stick to) your goal over the course of the year.
2. Limit Your Resolutions
Achieving even one small goal can boost your belief in yourself. For larger goals, consider breaking them apart into manageable chunks to work on one at a time. Taking on too much all at once can be daunting.
It can be particularly difficult because establishing new behavioural patterns takes time and sustained effort. Focusing on one specific goal makes keeping a resolution much more achievable.
Use technology to help monitor your progress such as using wearables like Fitbit, so that you know whether you’re on the right track or you may need to make certain adjustments (such as getting better quality sleep) in order to ensure that you fulfil your new year resolution(s).
Pace yourself so that you are able to push further once you have accomplished the initial goal.
3. Plan Ahead
Don’t make your resolution on New Year’s Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well before 31 December arrives.
But if you’re reading this today (on 31 December itself), fret not because it still is better late than never and who said that you definitely MUST start your resolutions on 1 January?
Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have that piece of cake on a non-cheat day.
This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your “bad behaviour” will affect your goal in the longer term.
4. Start With Baby Steps
Taking on too much too quickly is a common reason why so many New Year’s resolutions fail.
Starting an unsustainable restrictive diet, overdoing it at the gym, or radically altering your normal behaviour are surefire ways to derail your plans.
Instead, focus on taking tiny steps that will ultimately help you reach your larger goal.
Small Steps Lead To Success
- If you have resolved to run a marathon, start out by going for a jog once or twice a week to your current fitness level. Slowly, work up to longer run times or distance, and exercising more days per week.
- If you are trying to eat healthier, start by replacing a few less healthy foods with more nutritious options (e.g. switching white rice with brown rice or mixing half of your white rice with red rice). Then, tackle another element of your diet, such as adding in a greater variety of vegetables, reducing portion size, and/or cutting back on fried food or eating out.
5. Reward Yourself
This doesn’t mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to eat a better diet.
Plan your food goals 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 example, reward yourself with new fitness clothing or by going to a movie with a friend.
6. Don’t Beat Yourself Up, Keep Trying
If you have totally run out of steam when it comes to keeping your resolution by mid-February, don’t despair. Start over again! Recommit yourself for 24 hours. You can do anything for 24 hours.
The 24-hour increments will soon build on each other and, before you know it, you will be back on track.
Obsessing over the occasional slip won’t help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take one day at a time.
To help motivate and cultivate to commit to your fitness goals, all The Wellness Insider readers are welcome to come for a free trial to experience boutique fitness.
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Go to ‘Book’, ‘FOXX GROUP CLASSES’, select ‘Date & Class’, hit ‘BOOK’ and you are good to go! Please take note that this promo code is only valid through 31 January 2023, so do make sure to use it before that date.
Conclusion
The yearly ritual of resolution setting doesn’t have to be an annual disappointment.
Sometimes, the difference between success and failure is simply choosing the right goal and the process you use to go about achieving it.
Most importantly, remember to be kind and flexible with yourself and to celebrate any and all progress along the way. It’s not just the end goal that matters — it’s the journey along the way.
From The Wellness Insider team – we wish everyone a fit, healthy and blessed 2023!
Images: ENVATO, FOXX Studio
Melissa Fann
