So how are those resolutions going?
You know the dreaded New Year’s Resolutions – To lose weight, eat healthy, go to the gym, give up cigarettes, drink less, etc. etc. etc.
Well, according to reports, only about 8% of people actually follow through with their resolutions and carry them on through the year, with January 17th being the faithful date we generally fall off the wagon. It has also been found that, it can take up to six months to shed the weight gained over the festive period. But why?
The problem herein lies not in our determination but in fact, our expectations.
The majority of us, set unrealistic expectations for ourselves, and get disheartened when those expectations are not achieved. We take on too much all at once and may expect that by a certain date; we will be fitter, can run a marathon and/or be completely free from cigarettes, chocolate, booze etc.
However, when that date arrives, we seem to have achieved few if any of the goals we have set.
What are we missing?
The answer: Little wins – small goals along the way to let us know we are on the right track and help keep us motivated.
Instead for example of setting the goal of getting fit; aim to learn a new activity like rugby, swimming, yoga, Pilates, etc. Cut down on cigarettes gradually rather than going ‘cold turkey’ or just reduce the amount of sugar or chocolate rather than cutting it out altogether.
A few steps that I find are really helpful:
Be realistic
Set realistic goals – instead of trying to lose a stone all at once, aim for 2 or 3 lbs a week.
It’s a journey, not a destination
Don’t focus on the end result; rather aim for small progression and a lot of little wins, which will culminate into a BIG result.
Make it Fun
Instead of going for a run on your own, get friends involved and go for a walk or run with them to make it more enjoyable.
Take up a Hobby
Aim to do something new – Join a walking/running club, a swimming club or if the gym is your poison, join a class rather than trying to push yourself alone.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
On the rare occasion that you may give into temptation or stay on the couch instead of going out in the cold and wet of January, don’t worry about it, start afresh the following day and keep it going.
By following these simple steps along with reasonable expectations should ensure that you hit your goals and keep focused. So before you fully give up on those resolutions have a fresh look at them and start small,
I’ll leave the last word to a wise man..
“You never fail until you stop trying” Albert Einstein
Patrick
