HOW'S IT GOING WITH YOUR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE GOALS?
Let's face it - the end of January can mark a particularly difficult time in maintaining motivation for our New Year's goals. Perhaps your goals were really BIG - going from zero to lightspeed overnight on January 1st. Or maybe you made vague goals that were hard to put into action. Or even, you started off strong, but aren't yet seeing the results you'd hoped would occur by month end. Regardless, NOW is the time to re-evaluate your goals, reorganize your approach, and recommit to what's important to you.
RE-EVALUATE:
Take a look at your goals. Did you make specific & time bound goals (and are your goals realistic)? For example, 'I want to lose weight' is not the same as: "I want to lose 1-2 pounds per week over the next 6 months to achieve a goal weight of 150lbs." Review each healthy goal you've set. Be sure to follow the SMART rule. Your goals should be:
Specific (be concise - write 1 short sentence that is very specific of what you want to achieve)
Measurable (how will you know when you're making progress?)
Attainable (what specific actions do you need to take to achieve your goals? - write them down)
Realistic (are you willing/able to take the steps necessary to reach your goals?)
Time Bound (review the timeline in which you expect to achieve your goal- is it realistic? Break down your big goals into smaller ones - write down a timeframe to complete each step along the way. Be sure to REWARD yourself for each step you achieve toward your large goal!)
MOTIVATION:
It's natural for motivation to fade over time. Remind yourself WHY you decided to make a healthy change. These reasons should be very personal - not just because you know you should or a healthcare provider told you to. WHY is this change important to you? What are the BENEFITS you have experienced (or will experience) from your change in behavior? Write your motivators down & keep them where you can see them daily (in your car, on your fridge, on the bathroom mirror).
ENLIST SUPPORT:
Don't be shy about making a healthy change! Shout your intentions from the rooftops, and enlist the support of everyone you know! Telling others what you're planning to do can help keep you accountable & allows your friends/family to support you every step of the way. Find a buddy - studies show exercising with a friend (and surrounding yourself with other healthy folks) dramatically increases your chance of success in weight loss & exercise adherence. Working with a certified personal trainer can also increase your chances of success. The trainer will give you customized workouts & nutrition information that will help you achieve your goals, keep you motivated, and hold you accountable to the goals you set (not to mention celebrate your success!).
REVIEW YOUR PROGRESS:
Are you making steady progress toward your goals? Have you hit a plateau? Evaluate where you are, where you thought you'd be, and determine what works & what doesn't. Time for a change? Don't hesitate to make adjustments where necessary to stay on track (keeping in mind that it takes about 8-12 weeks to see real changes in body composition and/or weight loss). Whether you stay the course or try something new - be sure to focus on consistency in your routine.
CELEBRATE THE SMALL STUFF:
Any progress toward your healthy lifestyle goals should be recognized! Rewarding yourself for goals achieved can be a great motivator! Celebrate each success on the way toward your biggest goals - you deserve it!
'When you feel like QUITTING, think about WHY you started.'
~Author Unknown
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