Take Your Resolutions from Shabby to Successful in Seconds
The year is coming to an end, which means most of us will be starting to compile a list of 2018 New Year’s Resolutions. Often times, these intentions can be pretty big and broad and a distant memory by March. I’m all for setting goals for the year ahead, but I want to help you truly stick to them. Let’s focus on some common health and fitness related New Year’s resolutions and take them from shabby to successful just by making a few minor tweaks!
The Norm: I’m going to eat healthy.
Even Better: I’m going to eat salad or greens with lunch and dinner.
Eating healthier is a great goal, but this statement can be viewed as a lofty intention. By being more specific you can really keep yourself accountable. Plus, getting more precise about what you are changing with your regular eating habits will make this resolution more attainable. Adding a leafy salad or fibrous greens to lunch and dinner will naturally support a healthier diet and you will find making this small change will lead to huge health benefits.
The Norm: I’m going to exercise more.
Even Better: I am going to work out 2-3 times a week OR I will join the 30-Day Challenge at my yoga studio OR I will run 2-3 times a week.
Aiming for more movement is one of the most common resolutions, but sadly one of the ones we fail at most often. This is where being specific will play in your favour and you would be surprised at how this minor tweak in wording can make all the difference. Getting into the details about HOW you will be exercising more in 2018 will set you up for success. If by mid-year you are killing those 3 workouts then you can easily change your goals to add another sweat session or two a week. Joining a 30-Day Challenge of some sort is also a great way to support your exercise routine resolution. Psst … my 4-Week Kick Start Program is still available for those of you looking for an efficient and effective routine that you can do at home!
The Norm: I’m going to lose 10 pounds.
Even Better: I’m going to fit into my favourite little black dress for a wedding in May.
I’ve never been one to really promote stepping on a scale to watch your weight; I know it’s viewed as one of the main ways to measure progress, but I believe the absolute best way to measure successful progress is the fit of clothing and how you feel. Sometimes the scale can take over your life and make you obsess over the fluctuating one or two pounds that can happen over a day or two. Instead, pay more attention to the fit of your clothes like the ease of zipping up your skinny jeans or fitting into that LBD for your cousin’s wedding. More importantly, you will never be able to deny those happy hormones too, so be sure to be mindful of that.
The Norm: I will meditate more.
Even Better: I will meditate 5 minutes a day using an app on my phone.
I admit, meditation isn’t the easiest thing to do at first, but once you get into a routine, the benefits of meditation are endless. You will feel more calm and you’ll be much more patient with your loved ones. Plus, you’ll find decision making to be smoother and less stressful. Instead of trying to go from 0 to 100, begin with just 5 minutes per day and seek assistance from the many apps out there that can provide you with a timed guided meditation. Once you get into a daily 5-minute routine, you will find increasing the time to be easier and more enjoyable. Meditation has an incredible way of improving your mood and I’m sure those around you will notice the new you too!
New (and Improved) 2018 Resolutions
These are only four common health and fitness related resolutions; the main point of this post is that you should try and get really specific with your intentions in order to guarantee your success. I am a big believer in the power of the mind and if you set your mind on achieving something, you are bound to get it. Your thoughts do become things, so first things first: start the New Year with a positive perspective and set the foundation for what lies ahead. Good luck and I’m wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2018!
