1) Be realistic
Perhaps the best way to set yourself up for failure is by setting unrealistic expectations. I suggest setting goals you are at least 80% sure you can reach. For instance, if you are only 50% sure you can lose 10 lbs in one month, I suggest scaling down on your goal. Remember, real change is the result of time, effort, and patience. Take your fitness journey one step at a time. Think of it as a marathon that you start by walking and eventually running.
2) Write down your goals
Break down your goals into smaller sub-goals and write them down. Make sure they are both specific and measurable – instead of writing “I want to lose weight,” write “I want to lose one pound per week for the next six months by exercising at the gym 4x per week.” Place your written goals in a spot where you will see them often, like your fridge, to keep motivated. When creating a long-term goal such as your New Year’s resolution, it is also important for you to celebrate every little victory along the way. Take a nice, long bath or buy yourself a small gift. By doing so, you will teach your subconscious brain that you are capable of success, and it will in turn program you for further success.
3) Be accountable
Tell your friends and family about your fitness goals. Even telling just one person can go a very long way. By doing so, you are allowing others to hold you more accountable to your New Year’s resolution. Additionally, when you are feeling unmotivated, your family and friends can remind you why you set your goals in the first place. By telling others you may also inspire them to start their own fitness journey alongside you! Having a workout partner that you will meet at the gym or at a personal training session at set times will take your feeling of accountability to the next level.
4) Avoid fad diets and workout trends
New fad diets and workout trends come out every day, promising the results you’ve always wanted in as little as 10 days. The problem is that they simply aren’t sustainable, and in the case of fad diets, are often quite unsafe. Most of these diets involve neglecting essential nutrients, and if this is carried on for an extended period of time, you may end up ill. So what does work then? Maintain a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, as well as a balance of all the main food groups while practicing portion control. Using a calorie-counting app has proven helpful to many. Be consistent during your fitness journey and don’t let fads distract you from achieving your long-term goal. Remember – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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