How to set New Years Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions often sound like this:
“I am going to lose 20lbs” or “I am going to cut out sugar” or “I’m going to exercise more”.
While,you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to… keep in mind setting small goals will make you more successful. Small doesn’t mean less important or less life changing – it just means you won’t be setting yourself up for disappointment. You see you can have a big goal of losing X amount of pounds, completing a marathon with no experience running, or whatever else your heart desires. Just make small goals that will help you get there. The small goals become healthy habits – or confidence boosters – making the big goals happen. So with New Year’s Resolutions in the forefront of people’s minds – think small, make big differences.
Examples of how you can set resolutions/goals ANY DAY:
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You want to lose weight. First of all, don’t fall for the quick fixes. You could make tangible weight loss goals (1-2 lbs/wk) along the way, make dietary changes that fit your body and lifestyle, or you can reach out for help from professionals.
(We offer our signature Proximal Priority program where you can work with a Registered Dietitian, Registered Nurse, Exercise Physiologist, and Licensed Counselor.)
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You’ve seen people cut out sugar completely and feel like you are eating too much of it too. Instead of cutting out everything, first determine if this is possible for you – is it something you can stick too? Are there other people around you that could make this easier or harder? Are you doing it because saw it on social media? Is this really YOUR goal? Truthfully answer those questions.
Other options would be: cut out cookies, candy, artificial sugar, pop, sugary drinks, etc.
We aren’t a fan of permanently cutting entire food groups out of your diet – but you can change what KINDS of food within the food group you are eating!
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You want to hit the gym EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. This is tangible for some people, but not for all. If you don’t currently exercise, start with a goal like 1-2 times per week. You could even have goals of when you will add a day! Not all people even need to be working out 6-7 days out of the week. It all depends on the intensity of the exercise, your body’s needs, and other restraints you may have. Sometimes resting is just as good for you as moving your body 😉
For more information on exercise, schedule a consult with our Clinical Exercise Physiologist – Lex!
The point being… Break down your goal into something you can do this month and then when you reach that goal, set a new one for the next month. When it comes to goals and/or resolutions, bigger isn’t better 😉
