The New Year is always kicked off with unprecedented motivation, goal-oriented thinking, and the much needed “just do it” attitude.
This hype is symbolic of a new beginning. We are conditioned to believe that the beginning of a new year is the ultimate time to initiate big change, especially when it comes to our health and fitness. So why do New Year’s health and fitness resolutions fail?
New Year’s resolutions offer such an abrupt change in lifestyle. This can be difficult to navigate and can put us in a position where we are battling the tendency to scale back. This often results in a loss of motivation and adoption of the “I’ll just start next Monday” kind of attitude.
If you have found your New Year’s resolution falling back in line, it is time to step it up! Just because we are a month into 2021 doesn’t mean you have to wait until the next New Year to create change. Just because it is Thursday, doesn’t mean you have to wait until Monday to get serious and just because the last four weeks haven’t looked how you anticipated doesn't mean you have to give up.
Check out these 5 tips to learn how to reboot your New Year’s Fitness resolution with confidence.
QUIT THE EXCUSES
With a million and one things going on at all times, from work and our social lives to family and kids, it is far too easy to put your health and fitness at the bottom of your list of priorities. We can acknowledge that we haven’t been consistent with our workouts or eating habits and are quick to make excuses for why this is the case. Yes, you are busy. Yes, change isn’t easy, but it is time to hold yourself accountable. Implementing accountability measures instead of creating weak excuses for why we haven’t been committed to our goals is the first step to getting back on track.
ADJUST & ATTACK
Take a look at your New Year’s fitness resolution and ask yourself why you haven’t been 100% with it. Be honest with yourself. If the answer to this question is that the commitment was too intense, that is okay! There is absolutely no harm in adjusting your initial goal. For example, if your resolution was to hit the gym 5 days a week and you haven’t been able to achieve that goal, you don’t have to quit on it totally. The intention behind your resolution is still there, so simply scale it back. Adjust your resolution to be to hit the gym 3 days a week and attack this new goal with the same confidence you entered the New Year with.
BE FORGIVING
Yes, it is important to not make excuses, but it is just as important to be forgiving with yourself. We are human. Not everyday is going to be a good day. Some days will see sweat and other days won’t. This is the nature of life, so next time your commitment to your health and fitness resolution isn’t upheld, don’t beat yourself up. Know that you are in total control of your fitness journey and that tomorrow always offer a fresh start.
STOP COMPARING
It is so easy to get knocked off of your health and fitness resolution if you are constantly comparing yourself to others. In addition, it can be just as toxic to your growth to compare yourself to you. Don’t compare yourself to the way you were years ago or to the person that you want to evolve to be. Yes, it is important to set tangible physical goals, but if you go through your health and fitness journey being let down by an unrealistic standard you have set for yourself, your progress will be slow to come. Keep your eye on the prize and ditch the dangerous game of comparison. Fitness goals are personal for a reason-- they are about YOU and for YOU.
GOAL: CREATE A HABIT
They say it takes three weeks to create a habit. If you can commit to your health and fitness resolution for just 21 days, you are more inclined to adopt these practices as a habit. They will become a part of your daily routine and will grow to be something that your mind and body expect and depend on. In this three week period, you can positively transform the way that you think about your fitness commitments and will be well on your way to achieving your goals, no matter how big or small.