How often do you make New Year’s resolutions only to find before January has ended that they have fallen to the way side? I know in the past couple of years this has been a big problem for me. When my husband and I decided to buy a house in November of 2013 it began the center of everything. I let everything I wanted to accomplish take a back seat to making sure we had the money for a down payment and then replenishing our bank account after we made our purchase. This year I need to get back to doing things that important to me and my family.
Health and fitness is one of those things that not only took a back seat it moved three buses behind the bus I was on. This year both my husband and I have decided it needs to take priority. Of course this is a goal that many people make and many people feel the fail at. The key says Joey Thurman, founder of The Life Renovation, is to stop thinking so narrowly about your goals and look at the things that will help you meet the bigger goal!
5 Tips to Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions
- Set the right goal: This might seem intuitive, but it’s a critical first step. “This is about setting realistic goals that address the problems you want to fix most,” says Joey. “So, if you want to eat healthy, start by resolving to substitute unhealthy desserts for fruit. That way, you’re making smaller changes that will have a bigger impact.”
- Lose the negativity: Although you may have tried and failed in the past, this is now, and you can do it. “When people think about failure, they set themselves up for failure,” says Thurman. Think positive thoughts about your resolutions each morning, and that positivity will stick with you all day long.
- Rid yourself of enablers: Everyone has that one friend that encourages them to eat unhealthy food or skip the gym. “Be up front with the enablers in your life,” suggests Joey. “Let them know your goals and ask them to be supportive or stop hanging out with them.”
- Stay accountable: Whether it’s working with a fitness coach or tracking progress on an app with friends, accountability is the key to success. “When my clients aren’t accountable to someone else, they often rationalize cheating on their resolutions, which is a very slippery slope.”
- Celebrate your successes: Setting goals only works if you celebrate your success. “Achieving milestones is something to be proud of and celebrate,” says Joey. “Plan how you want to celebrate and do so with vigor. Then, get back to work the next day.”
Tiffany Dover says
Love this!! I definitely needed this read today! I’m hoping to lose some weight in 2015 but it can be so hard because I truly like food..it’s just so good lol! Thanks for this article!
Colleen Shibley says
Same here, they say to find what is keeping you for losing weight. I say it is pretty easy to figure out I just LOVE food LOL!
Jordan says
Very helpful!!! Thank you! 🙂
ellen beck says
The realistic gols are where peoople fail. I mean if you resolve to be a size 0 in 6 months and you are a size 20, chances are you arent going to do it unless you are only drinkin water . You might ‘look good’ but boy you sure wont feel good. Mine is to sit less and move more. Its doable, but I ont be a size 0 ha!
Colleen Shibley says
That is perfect a small goal that eventually could help with bigger results.
shirley says
I agree the Set the right goal, is so important.
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
This year I’m really trying to lose the negativity and focus on staying positive and surrounding myself with positive energy.
Colleen Shibley says
That is a great goal I love it. I often do this when the new year starts and I feel so much better about life in general.
Donna says
I don’t do resolutions, but goals – realistic goals. I think that’s the key. And, I’ve still failed. 🙁 This year I didn’t wait until Jan. 1 to start, though… I started on Dec. 26th and I am down 8 pounds so far. I’m determined and optimistic that I WILL lose weight and get healthy this year! Great tips, Colleen!
Colleen Shibley says
That is awesome! I haven’t started yet but I need to ASAP
Sara Zielinski says
Realistic goals are the key, thanks for the helpful tips.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I love number 1. my house is full of bad desserts and I really need to will power to stay away from them.
Colleen Shibley says
Yeah I would eat more if it was around and I didn’t have any other options that is the key!
HilLesha says
I normally don’t make resolutions, but like Donna, I do set realistic goals for myself. 🙂
Marcie W. says
I absolutely agree with setting realistic goals and I prefer the word goal to resolution. Making sure to celebrate little milestones throughout my weight loss journey helped me achieve success.
Valerie Remy-Milora says
These are all great tips. I especially love “Getting rid of Enablers. We all have a few of those in our life and they are the surest way to get off track,. Out they go!
Shiza says
I agree with your health goals. I will try to follow them
Accelerated Recovery says
This year I’m really trying to lose the negativity and focus on staying positive and surrounding myself with positive energy.