Tips to help you reach your goals even if your new year’s resolutions failed.
We are nearly a third way through the year and while many would have started the year off strong, with good intentions and big new year’s resolutions, the reality is that only about 10% successfully stick to their resolutions for that whole year. Not quite the success rate we hope for when we start on the first of January.
The reasons behind this vary but the biggest culprits are simply setting vague, unrealistic goals, without an action plan. In order for long term change to take place, we need to set smart goals. What does this mean?
Our goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound.
Specific: What exactly do we want to achieve and how can we achieve this?
Measurable: How do we measure progress to make sure that we are making progress?
Track and journal your journey!
Achievable: This is a big one! We need to be realistic with ourselves instead of setting
goals that are unrealistic for us and our lifestyle. And that is not to say that we shouldn’t
dream big but we need to take it one step at a time and progress this gradually. Start
small!
Relevant: Are the goals that we are setting in line with our lifestyle and priorities? Setting
a goal that does not fit into your current lifestyle will be very difficult to achieve so make
sure that you choose wisely!
Time bound: This is important to know if we are on track and whether what we are
doing is working! BUT don’t be too rigid about this! It’s important to be flexible in our
journey towards a goal. Don’t quit if something doesn’t go according to plan. Learn to roll
with the good and the bad, adjust and keep going!
Extra tip: Get yourself an accountability partner. Team work makes the dream work!
In summary we should rather start small and aim to make slow and sustainable changes that we can take into our lifestyle for years to come.
Some great nutrition and fitness based things we can start with are:
(And remember you don’t have to do them all. Pick one or as many as you like. The
most important thing is that you are consistent with it!)
● Drink more water. Aim for 250ml per every 10kg of body weight. Buy yourself awater bottle to hold yourself accountable
● Try to eat more vegetables. Ideally we want to aim for 2-3 cups of vegetables per day. But again, if you are currently eating zero vegetables, then build towards the 2-3 cups. Anything is better than nothing if that is what you are coming from.●
● Try to eat regular, well balanced meals and snacks ie make sure all your meals and snacks contain a source of carbs and protein.
● Increase your daily movement. Whether that be increasing your average daily steps, going to a gym class or aiming to play with your kids more!
And lastly remember that while we are all ‘outcome driven’ we also need to remember that it’s who we become in the process and journey towards becoming the best version of ourselves that is important too!