So, we are into the first few weeks of the new year, which means one of three things:

A. You are rockin’ your New Year’s resolution
B. You are not rockin’ your New Year’s resolution.
C. You didn’t make a New Year’s resolution to rock.

If you have a resolution and are currently making it happen, AWESOME!! Good job, keep at it!!

Now if you are like many of us who’ve made a resolution but are already beginning to loose the drive or motivation to keep it, then this write up is for YOU!!

It is very common to have a goal set and get all excited about it only to soon have the focus and desire to keep the momentum going forward fizzle out. Whatever the reasons are, whatever the excuses may be, there is always a way to overcome them and get back on track.

“One day or day One.

You decide.”

– Unknown

How about making 2022, the year you stop the cycle of resolving to make change and then not following through. If your resolution is to take better care of yourself and get healthy, you will have a much better year if your resolution sticks. Here are eight tips to help you get started and establish that “move forward” success:

1. FORGET ABOUT THE PAST

Not letting the past define our future can be a HUGE thing to overcome. Some of us carry the failures of past attempts at getting healthier almost as a badge of shame in hopes that somehow it will guilt us into becoming better. Not going to happen.

If you slip, don’t despair. Begin again! Recommit yourself for another day. You can do anything for one day. That one day will build on another day, and another, and soon, before you know it, you’re back on track.

2. CREATE A CLEARLY DEFINED PLAN

Good intentions are just that, good. Jot down a clearly defined plan based on your intentions and realistic expectations. Include in your plan a time frame, milestones and goals, as well as strategies to deal with the temptation to skip that work-out pass or have that treat.

3. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

Keep track of each success, big or small. Short-term milestones are easier to reach, and each small win helps you stay motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, focus on losing the first five.

4. MAKE IT FUN AND REWARDING

Seek ways to make your fitness goals fun and rewarding. Celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your resolution. Find a realistic target outfit to aim to fit in or reward yourself with new work out clothes when your’ve reached a milestone. Honestly rate your weekly success out of 10 and pay that number in cash to yourself. Involve other family members or friends to a physical game of sorts. Challenge yourself and be creatively excited about the progress.

5. SEEK SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Share it with friends and family members who you know will be there to support you. If you can, find someone who shares the same New Year’s resolution so you can help each other stay motivated and keep each other accountable.

Another great option is to work with a coach who genuinely cares about your success and understands the obstacles you might face and what you need to stay on track. You may not always like what they have to say, but a good coach will keep you on the road and out of the energy robbing ditch. 

6. DEVELOP HEALTY HABITS

We live in an era of urgency. Too often, we get discouraged when change is not instant and the path is not easy. But real and lasting transformation takes time. Don’t rush your progress. Keep in mind that slow and steady wins the race.

Move at a deliberate pace to build daily actions that turn into habits, which ultimately result in a better lifestyle. Research have shown that it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. It won’t happen overnight, so be persistent and patient without being hard on yourself. Aim for 100% and understand that 80% is awesome and more realistic to attain.

7. FALL IN LOVE

Find the little things to embrace and fall head over heels in love with them. Be proud of preparing nutritious meals. Smile at the face in the mirror that is slimming. Pride yourself on a good workout or long walk. Thank people when they notice your effort and more positive mood. The list goes on and on.

8. SELFCOMPASSION IS KEY

Taking life in stride is a very important part of health and happiness. Real and lasting change is not possible without self compassion. What good is a positive lifestyle change if you hate the process or you beat yourself up every time you miss your workout or eat a chocolate bar? Obsessing over the occasional slip won’t help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take one day at a time.