Tips for setting a New Year's resolution you can implement
As 2015 comes to a close, now is a great time to reflect on the past 12 months and look ahead to 2016.
For many, the new year brings new hope, new adventures, and New Year's resolutions. If your resolution has anything to do with losing weight or improving your health, keep reading.
Setting a New Year's resolution isn't necessarily the challenge, but implementing it can be. Following through to the end can sometimes be harder than expected and lead to failure.
The following tips will help you put together a resolution that will have you moving in the right direction in 2016.
Set realistic goals
‘I want it all and I want it now' is not a practical theme for long-term weight loss success.
Pick a resolution that's challenging and requires focus, but not one that burns you out in the first month. If you have a weight loss goal of 30 lbs. for example, break it up into three manageable goals of 10 lbs.
Give yourself adequate time, and set secondary goals along the way to you keep you consistently moving forward.
Know your strengths and weaknesses
Pick out your three strongest qualities and incorporate these into your game plan.
For example, if you're well organized, use that to your advantage by mapping out a schedule to keep you on track.
On the other hand, do your best to avoid known weaknesses. If you have no self-control around sweets, keep them out of sight.
Breaking a bad habit is tough, even when you're fully committed. So, give yourself a better chance by knowing what to use and what to lose.
Have a support system
Your New Year's resolution starts with you, but it can be supported by friends and family.
If you show how important your resolution is to those around you, they will support you and motivate you along the way. Also, by making your intentions clear to others, you will feel a sense of accountability around these people.
Another great option is teaming up with a friend or family member who has a similar resolution. This team effort can add much needed motivation and accountability.
Don't give up
So it's been two months and you're not quite where you expected to be. That's OK!
As long as you're making progress and you're staying motivated, things will happen. If it wasn't challenging, it wouldn't be as rewarding in the end.
This resolution holds personal importance to you, but you may have to remind yourself of why you're doing it from time to time.
Reward yourself without sabotage
As you create your resolution, incorporate some rewards into your plan ahead of time.
If you hit your secondary goals, for example, go out to dinner at your favorite restaurant for a “cheat meal.” This positive reinforcement only adds to the feeling of accomplishment and can give you a break from your diet.
But, remember not to sabotage your overall progress by going overboard with too many rewards.
With the right tools, you can be on your way to crushing your 2016 New Year's resolution. Find the motivation and get the results.
For more exercise and nutrition tips, visit our blog at PushFitnessTraining.com or follow the links to our social media resources.
• Joshua Steckler is the owner of Push Fitness, a personal training studio located in Schaumburg specializing in weight loss, muscle toning, and nutrition. Contact him at PushFitnessTraining.com.