Many of us start a new year with “New Years Resolutions”. These are good, positive changes that we intend to make in our lives. So let’s look at some interesting stats on New Years Resolutions:
- Around 40% of us set them each year
- The top three are all health related
- The most popular one is “I want to exercise more” And now comes the reality…
23% quit in the first week and only 36% make it past the first month! By the end of the year only 9% successfully keep their resolutions. You’re not shocked… No, me either as we have all been there!
So here are the Tips to Keeping your Fitness Resolutions:
- BE REALISTIC: The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to NEVER eat your favourite food again is setting you up to fail. Instead, strive for a goal that is attainable, such as avoiding it more often than you do now.
- 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 day. Instead, it should be planned well ahead.
- OUTLINE YOUR PLAN: Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that Fitness class or have that piece of cake. 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.
- MAKE A “PROS” AND “CONS” LIST: It may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time and ask others to contribute to it. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve.
- TALK ABOUT IT: Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health. The best-case scenario is to find a buddy who shares your New Year’s resolution and motivate each other.
- REWARD YOURSELF: This doesn’t mean that you can eat a whole bar of chocolate if your resolution is to eat a better diet. 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.
- TRACK YOUR PROGRESS: Keep track of each small success. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment will help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 10kg, focus on losing the first three. Keep a food diary to help you stay on track and reward yourself for each kilo lost.
- DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP: 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.
- STICK TO IT: Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. It won’t happen overnight, so be persistent and patient.
- 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.
Enjoy your Good Health!
by Andy Derijk – 0418 613 890