How to make your New Year's Resolutions stick
Every New Year we spend time reflecting on the past year and the things we would like to change in the days ahead. Year after year we set resolutions, building ourselves up for the “New year, New me” mindset, but that motivation quickly fades and we end up right back where we started. Wanting to make positive changes is never a bad thing, so why do we have such a hard time making them stick? The trick is to turn these resolutions into goals!
Start with a positive mindset:
A good place to start is by writing down 5 things you have accomplished already that you are proud of. This is a great way to recognize that you have already achieved things you want in life and are very capable of setting and reaching goals. This kicks off your goal setting with a positive mindset that anything is achievable.
Fail to plan, plan to fail!
Another big reason that resolutions don't stick is because we don't plan out the steps to get us there. Setting goals is one of the most important steps in making positive changes. We all have an idea of where we want to be, but without a clearly set plan it is easy to get side tracked. The SMART(S) method to goal setting is an amazing tool that will help you determine exactly what your goals are and how you will achieve them. Leaving you with a well thought out plan and putting you in total control of your goals!
Grab a pen and paper and let's get started!
SMART(S) GOAL SETTING
S for Specific – What is your goal? This is not the time for vague goals (I want to be healthier and lose weight). This is the time for specific goals. I will lose 30 lbs this year!M for Measurable –How will you track your progress and how you will know when you have reached your goal? Making your goal measurable means adding a number to it. I'm going to go for a walk everyday is not measurable, but walking for 30 minutes a day is measurable towards your goal.
A for Attainable – It is so important to find your starting place! Take some time to note your current fitness level, schedule, eating habits, etc. Aim for something that will be a challenge, but not unrealistic. If walking for an hour is difficult, you shouldn’t set a goal to run a marathon by the end of the month! Setting achievable goals will challenge you but not overwhelm you to the point of calling it quits!
R for Relevant – Pick something that YOU want to achieve because it is important to You. It's easy to think of all of the things we feel we should change. We need to ask ourselves if this something we actually want, or is it because these are the traditional resolutions we see everywhere, or maybe because someone else is pressuring us to set this goal? Think of why you want it (Your Why). How will it feel to reach this goal? This is the fun part where you can make sure your goal fits with your priorities.
Ask yourself:
What would meeting this goal mean to me?
Maybe you…
- want to set a better example for your children.
- are suffering from weight related health issues.
- want more energy to do the things you love.
- be able to play with your kids at the park.
(S) for Strategies – The actions you will take to achieve your goal. What do I need to do to make this happen?
Seeing your goals on paper suddenly makes things feel real and you're more likely to achieve success! When you stay true to your plan you will feel empowered and confident that you can do whatever you set your mind to! You've got this!
Another very common reason that resolutions are short lived is: trying to change too many things all at once. Sometimes when we get excited about the new changes we want to make we can get a little carried away. Trying to make too many drastic changes all at once is usually so overwhelming and restrictive we end up throwing in the towel completely!
We believe you shouldn't have to give up the foods you love or sacrifice your goals! Our Recipe centre is full of protein packed, low sugar meal ideas to help you crush your goals! It's the perfect place to find inspiration for any meal! Every recipe is made with our Prebiotic protein powder and guaranteed to keep you on track!
Just remember:
Goals are always a work in progress, and sometimes you may have to re-adjust the path to get there. This is how we grow along the way. Reaching goals is not just about the end result, it's about who you become in the process.
For more great tips on sticking to your goals, check out Tracy's blog post here and read all about how she keeps herself in check monthly as she continues on her amazing 130 pound (and still counting!) weight-loss journey!
STAY CONNECTED!
Don't forget to follow us on social media to stay up to date on contests, promotions, recipes, transformations and more! ♥Join the family:
NutraTalk Facebook Community
Thanks for reading!
