Each New Year begins with great intentions. People come to me determined to
meet their fitness goals and excited to jump in and start a new program. For many,
it only takes a month or two for the enthusiasm and resolve to wane. Off track and
disheartened, they give up only to repeat the cycle the following January. Does this
sound like you? The following tips can help you break this pattern for good.
1. Craft a Powerful Why Statement
It’s easy to stick with a fitness program at the beginning when you are excited. A
few months in, when it’s tough to convince yourself to follow through, you need
to remember why you started in the first place. Why are you doing this? Know
your motivation. Be specific and write it down. This is your Why Statement. Post
it somewhere you can see it and read it often. Make your why bigger than your
excuses.
2. Take Baby Steps
After you have created a vision, break it down into small, realistic and attainable
goals. The key is to remain consistent. Celebrate each success, however small. Make
sure your goals are manageable, and that they fit with your lifestyle. Keep the big
picture in mind and tie the small goals to your Why Statement. When your goals are
vague or unattainable, you set yourself up for disappointment.
3. Get an Accountability Buddy
Hire a personal Trainer or enlist a friend to go with you on your fitness journey.
Having someone to hold you accountable helps you stay on track. Celebrate each
milestone together.
4. Make it Routine
I am a firm believer in routine, as this will strengthen your commitment. Make
exercise a part of every day. Whether you hit the gym, go for a walk/run or do a
yoga class, it helps to choose the same time every day and same days of the week.
5. Spend time alone
No matter how busy you are, carve out at least 20 minutes a day for yourself. This
will give you the emotional strength to fulfill the rest of your obligations. You will
become a better spouse, parent and most importantly you will be better to yourself.
6. Don’t Personalize Set-backs
Failure is a key component of every great success and nobody gets it right the first
time. If you don’t succeed right away, don’t personalize it. Do not attach your self
worth to people, places, things, or even your goals, because when these situations
do not work it can leave you broken. Remember these are intangible things that are
outside of you. If you fail temporarily, it doesn’t mean you are a failure.
These tips will help you stick with your fitness goals and get results. But that doesn’t
mean you won’t stumble along the way. Remember that slip-ups are a part of the
process and to be expected. Do not become discouraged or allow toxic thoughts to
creep in when you fall short temporarily. Just get up, dust yourself off and try again.
Remove quitting as an option and you cannot fail.
“Our greatest glory is not in ever falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
– Confucious
