The New Year traditionally starts with goal setting of how to "change" and "better" the year ahead. There is reflection on 2018 and what could have gone better, what went well, and what wasn't achieved from your 2018 resolution to "fix" 2017's issues. Really, if you analyze your previous resolutions, there is a pattern of setting similar goals each year -- lose that stubborn 25lbs, implement regular exercise, spend more time with family, spend more time on yourself, find a hobby, clean out that guest bedroom, fix those finances, or fall back in love with your significant other. But why weren't these goals successful? Let us guide you on setting attainable, realistic, and productive health goals to ensure 2019 can be your best year yet!
Be realistic.
Lofty goals can be daunting. Yes, your overall goal may be to lose 50lbs this year, but when tasked with completing this, it can be discouraging when results aren't seen immediately. Be realistic with goal setting. Consider aiming at losing 1-2# a week or a goal to lose 5# by the end of the month. Maybe it's better your goal isn't focused on a number and it could be the goal of moving your belt one notch tighter by the end of February.
Incentives are necessary.
Did you meet your weight loss goal for the week? Organize the magazines in the cluttered room? Attend a week of classes at the gym? Make sure to reward yourself for your little wins, but don't choose rewards that set you back from your overall goal! If weight loss is your goal, rewarding yourself with your favorite ice cream may not be the best option. Consider getting yourself the pair of boots your have your eyes on instead. If finances are your 2019 concern, making a large purchase as a reward probably isn't your best bet. Think about setting aside a few hours for an at-home pampering session with a long, warm bath, and a Netflix binge session.
Develop your vision.
On day one of your resolution, it is easy to remember why you're motivated to complete your goals, but by day 5, 10, 15, or by "Blue Monday," it can be hard to remember why you aren't having dessert or why you're refraining from buying that cute handbag. Create a vision board! See our Pinterest page on ideas for creating your Vision Board to ensure your New Year's Resolution success and keep those goals in sight!
Expect some bumps in the road.
There will be times you don't hit your weekly or monthly goals. Don't let this deter you from continuing to strive towards your resolution. Don't use your bump in the road - gaining a pound or ten, eating those unhealthy meals, not exercising like you should - as a reason to quit all together. Look back and find out why you may have fallen off the wagon and try to anticipate these things happening in the future and plan how you'll get past them successfully in the future. Look back to your vision board and remember your "why." Seek counsel from the trusted people in your life to re-motivate you towards your goals! Don't sabotage yourself if you make a bad decision. It's only failure if you quit!
Hold yourself accountable.
It is easy to come up with excuses why you can't cook the healthy meal, go to the exercise class, or play on the floor with your kids. Anticipate the excuses you'll come up with and come up with ways to motivate yourself and push through your excuses. An accountability partner can be one of your best assets. Choosing someone that is your partner in health is ideal rather than choosing the person that you call when you want to eat a whole pizza and a tube of cookie dough when you have a bad day at work. Chose someone that will call you on your excuses and help motivate you to continue on your path towards achieving your resolution.
Reevaluate how realistic your goals are.
If you find yourself quitting, failing, or continually "falling off the wagon," reassess your goals and decide if they're too lofty or are unattainable at this time. Break them down further by decreasing your blocks of time (2# of weight loss in a week instead of 10# in a month), set regular check-ins with your accountability partner, or set smaller goals to make them more possible to rebuild your confidence and get back on track.
