Happy New Year! I hope you had a fantastic holiday season and are excited for a fresh new year. It’s pretty much one of my favorite things ever. I’m a sucker for a fresh new start and high hopes.
So, I gotta know, are you setting any New Year Resolutions this year?
I hope so! And, I hope your excited to make them stick this year. We’ve all set resolutions that didn’t make it past February 1st, follow these 8 tips and you’re sure to accomplish those New Year’s resolutions in 2016!
1. Think a little bit smaller. I know, I know…dream big, reach for the stars and all that, but the problem with massive goals is that we are human. We slip up, we get tired, and when we stick to a goal for weeks and a time and aren’t even close to reaching it, we give up.
So, this year make all your resolutions something you can realistically accomplish in 60-90 days. Then, after you’ve accomplished those, think another 60 days ahead.
2. Focus on the things you CAN change. I know that weight loss goals are super common this time of year and there is nothing wrong with wanting to lose weight, but the problem is, it isn’t always within our control. Body type, genetics, and hormones can get in the way and even great healthy habits don’t always translate to big weight loss. But, great healthy habits like eating more veggies and drinking 64oz of water a day will make you feel great and have more energy, even if the scale doesn’t reflect it.
So, instead of setting a weight loss goal, try an exercise goal and some specific healthy eating goals. I promise you’ll be able to feel the difference these choices make long before the scale changes.
3. Leave some wiggle room. It’s tempting to swear off sugar and soda forever or promise you’ll only eat healthy foods, but no one is perfect, so those 100% statements set us up to fail right from the start. Give yourself some built in wiggle room, like I’ll only drink soda on date night, or I’ll enjoy two desserts a week.
I intentionally built wiggle room into the Feel Great in 8 Challenge – I’m not perfect and I don’t expect anyone else to be either!
4. Put as much as you can on auto-pilot. Set a weekly meal plan and stick to it, workout at the same days/times each week, and go to bed at the same time every night. Any decisions you can remove from you day will help reserve willpower for those times when it is hard to say no.
5. Learn to Address Willpower Fatigue. Did you know that willpower is like a muscle? When you’re using it all day to stick to your new goals, it gets tired and worn down. Now you know why you feel ready to throw in the towel by 8pm, or even by 3pm some days.
Just like a muscle, your willpower can be refreshed. A 15-20 minute power nap, a healthy high protein snack and a big glass of water do the trick for me. Once you learn to recognize the signs of willpower fatigue, you can do what it takes to refresh and feel ready to take on the rest of the day.
6. Write a Vision Statement and pick a fight song. When you feel like giving up, put on your pick-me-up song and read your vision statement. This combo can be a powerful reminder of your goals and commitment.
7. Focus on progress, not perfection. Don’t forget to celebrate every victory on the way to your goal. Keep a list of all the good choices you made instead of focusing on your mistakes. You don’t have to be perfect to be heading in the right direction.
8. Get a support group. I don’t know about you, but it always helps me to know that I’m not in it alone. Find a group of supportive, positive people who will be there to cheer you on, celebrate you successes, and pick you up when you stumble.
Don’t have that in your life? Find it online! Registration for the Feel Great in 8 Challenge comes with access to a private Facebook page full of the most incredible people I know. It’s the perfect place to go when you need to brag, whine, or just as for advice.
NEED MORE HELP?
The next Feel Great in 8 Challenge starts MONDAY, JANUARY 4th!
What is Feel Great in 8?
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