With the drop of the ball into 2018, comes a new commitment toward a better you…in the form of New Year’s Resolutions! Millions of people solemnly swear to give up alcohol, to exercise more, eat less and to get to bed sooner. With only 8% of the population actually following through on their commitment to their resolutions, fear not! There are ways to make your chances of being in the 8% that much higher. Here are some easy strategies to ensure that you can hold yourself accountable to your own goals and to make your New Year’s resolutions stick.
- Start Small
- It’s the ‘small stuff’ that makes the biggest difference. Instead of pledging that you will lose 10lbs by the end of January, it is important to break it down. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, start by increasing your activity each day. Whether that means you go for an after dinner walk each evening, or add in an extra day at the gym per week. It is important to understand that the cumulative effect of small changes is what makes the biggest difference in the long run.
- Reward Yourself
- According to ‘Psychology Today‘, research shows that when rewards are received on an intermittent basis – we are more likely to continue with that behavior. Rewards are also more effective than punishment, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t meet your goals.
- Talk About Your Goals
- Share your experiences with family, friends and colleagues. Support groups such as a workout group gives you the opportunity to share your struggles and successes.
- Ask for Support
- Asking and accepting help from those who care about you will strengthen your resilience and ability to manage stress relating to your resolutions. Seeking professional help gives the opportunity to understand the connection between the mind and the body. They can offer nutrition and training strategies which will aid in your transition from unhealthy to healthy behaviors.
