It’s a new year, and you’re ready for a new you! You want to eat healthier, exercise more, or make better financial choices. There’s just one problem: you’ve made the same resolutions for the last five years, and so far, you’re no closer to keeping them. If you want to make 2016 the year you accomplish all of your resolutions, don’t lose heart. There are several ways you can push yourself to succeed this year.
Commit with a friend who will hold you accountable
You might have a pal at the office who is always talking about going on a diet who will encourage you on those office party days when everyone seems to bring in their most fattening recipes. You might have a mom friend who would love to commit to weekly gym dates or walking play dates with you. Look for someone to share your goals and watch your ability to keep your resolutions increase drastically.
Stop simply hoping for the best
If you roll out of bed at the last minute and just hope you’ll have time to get a decent lunch packed, or if you go out to an unfamiliar restaurant with no idea what’s on the menu, you’ll end up eating whatever sounds good in the moment. Planning ahead, on the other hand, will keep you on track. Pack your lunch the night before. Look up the restaurant where you’re having your lunch meeting and see what low-calorie options available on the menu. Take the steps necessary to keep your goal in sight.
Commit to smaller changes instead of huge ones
It sounds great to say that you’re going to avoid all sweets or that you’re going to exercise every single day, but odds are, you’re going to have a hard time keeping those goals. Instead, try committing to a smaller, more manageable goal that sounds like it’s within reach. You might try drinking tea or water instead of soda or commit to packing your lunch at least four days per week. You can also consider the Redox supplement from ASEA that can help improve your health. Those small changes can add up to big results.
Stop focusing on the forbidden
The harder you think about the things you can’t have – cookies, cake, or a bag of chips, for example – the harder it will be to avoid them. Before you know it, those things will be all you can think about. Instead, focus on the things that you can add to your life or to your diet that will enhance your overall health. You might not love that big, green salad that’s next to your sandwich at lunchtime, but it will decrease your odds of ending up over-indulging in the chocolate cake your coworker brought in.
Look for ways to make it fun
No one enjoys having to tighten their purse strings to pay down debt or heading to the gym to slog along for half an hour on the treadmill. Look for ways to incorporate fun into your plans. For example, you might try putting aside some of that savings each month for a treat when your debt is paid off. Pursing a class at the gym could be a lot more fun than a treadmill. Taking a cooking class will help you learn some great new, healthy ways to prepare meals that you’ll love. Look for opportunities to enjoy your resolution.
Keep it realistic
If you lead a fast-paced lifestyle that doesn’t leave a lot of room for gym time, expecting yourself to suddenly carve out an hour a day, plus travel time and time to change into your gym clothes, is probably unrealistic. On the other hand, carving out thirty minutes in the evening to exercise instead of watching television is within your sights. Look for ways to make your goals realistic.
This year is going to be different. This year, you’re going to embrace your resolutions and find a way to live with that new you. It won’t be easy, but by digging in and sticking to it, by this time next year, you’ll be seeing the results you’ve always wanted. It will be well worth all the effort you’ve put in.
Check out our other posts on the New Year, Better You, Real Resolutions page HERE.