Revitalizing Resolutions

Ah, January.

The month of fresh starts, big dreams and new goals.

There’s always something about having an occasion that seemingly offers a clean slate and an opportunity to start anew.

And being in the health and fitness industry, we are in full support of anyone who wants to make changes for a healthier, happier life. We want to make sure that you are fully equipped to make and maintain your new habits--- because we’re all too familiar with the “New Year, New You” momentum that almost always fails before it starts.

So, before diving into any hardcore resolutions, reflect on your resolutions by asking yourself:

1. WHY did you choose that resolution?

2. WHY is this resolution important to you?

3. HOW will achieving this goal impact your life?

If you could successfully and satisfactorily answer the above, then you have a solid, soul-driven resolution. This is of the utmost of importance because unfortunately, motivation if fleeting—it will come and go; however, knowing your WHY will keep you driven to keep going in the darkest of hours. It will keep your vision clear of everything you will GAIN when your mind is bombarding you with everything that you are losing or changing.

From there, you can refine your resolution to further fool-proof your efforts by applying those SMART goal principles:

S- Specific: The more defined and understood your goal is, the faster For example: eat healthier is abstract and subjective. How will you know when you are eating healthier and when you should re-evaluate your goals? Try something like eating 6-8 veggies a day. Once you’ve nailed that goal, then you can add other specific nutritional goals until your healthy eating vision matches your reality.

M- Measurable: It’s hard to see how far you’ve come when you don’t know where you started or are unable to determine where you are now. Adding on to the above example of 6-8 servings of veggies a day, it’s important to note where you started and how you can manageably get to the 6-8 servings per day. So, perhaps for the first week you add 1-2 servings of veggies every supper. Then, if you could comfortably do that, then add 1-2 servings of veggies at lunch for week 2… and so on. Tracking your progress will let you know when you’ve achieved a goal, when it becomes a habit, and when it’s time to up the ante.

A- Action-oriented: What does that resolution require to be completed? How much time, money, resources (such as food, gym equipment, etc) will you need? Understanding and planning the small, daily tasks will make achieving the overall goal SO much easier—and keep you active in chasing it! As we say in class, just keep moving- even the tiniest of action will keep you progressing.

R- Realistic: Challenging yourself helps you grow, but setting the bar at ridiculous heights is setting yourself up for failure. Remember, it’s not that you can never get to those lofty goals, but you do need to learn to walk before you can run! That’s the fun of SMART goal-setting—find your why, make your plan that works for you at this moment in time, crush your goals and repeat.

T- Time-sensitive: Giving yourself a [realistic] timeline will help you stay accountable, progressive and purposeful!

2018 is here, and we know you’re ready to make and BREAK your New Year Resolutions this year! And remember, we’re 110% behind you—the sky is the limit.

Get after it!