It’s that time of year again when we start thinking about what we want to achieve in the coming year and how to create a sustainable and realistic plan to make it happen. Having a plan that’s both practical and achievable is crucial when setting our fitness goals and resolutions.
Given all the uncertainty many of us face, I felt it was important to write something that can offer hope as we move into the New Year. During uncertain times, focusing on what we can control is vital, and one thing we can manage is our health and wellness.
Here are some helpful tips to help you stay accountable and stick to your New Year’s fitness goals.
Writing down your goals can be really beneficial. It helps your brain remember what you want to accomplish and makes the goals feel more tangible and significant. Plus, it feels great to check items off a to-do list. You might find it helpful to write your goals on a whiteboard where you’ll see them every day, creating a daily reminder and a sense of accountability.
Being specific with your goals makes them more achievable. For instance, saying “I want to become more athletic” is too vague. Instead, resolutions like “I want to lose five pounds, run a mile, and limit myself to one cheat meal a week for six months” are specific and measurable, making it easier to track your progress.
Try to focus on 1-4 main goals at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. You can also have “sub-goals” related to a larger goal. For example, if you aim to improve strength, your sub-goals could be to include one upper body workout and one lower body workout each week. The key is to be specific and have a clear plan for how you’ll achieve your goals.
As you work towards your goals, it’s important to regularly check in with yourself. Keeping a fitness journal or log—whether digital or on paper—can help you track your progress and reflect on how you’re feeling overall. Are you getting enough sleep? How’s your mood and energy? Balancing work and life? This information can help you adjust your fitness plan as needed.
Celebrating your progress along the way, rather than just the end results, is essential. Recognizing small steps can boost your self-esteem, improve your mood, and keep you motivated to pursue your goals. Obstacles like injuries, unexpected workloads, and other unforeseen events may arise, so it’s important to know when to take it easy and rest. However, resting doesn’t mean giving up; it means regrouping and coming back stronger.
Including others in your fitness journey can increase your chances of success. Many people hire trainers, join group classes, or work out with friends to stay motivated. Find someone you trust to hold you accountable, whether it’s through regular reminders, shared goals, a personal trainer, or a nutrition plan with a partner. Discover what works best for you and your support system, and stick with it.
I hope you found these tips helpful for your fitness goals and resolutions. Remember, discipline is about choosing between what you want now and what you want most in the long run. Think about where you want to be in the future and take steps that will help you get there. And if you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more!