Sticking To Your New Year’s Resolution

Arron Hopkinson lets SBT readers into the secret of New Year’s resolution success: a new year, a new start and a new you takes a lot of motivation and dedication. Here’s how to keep that health plan up!

New Year, new start: we hear this a lot from people when January comes around. But, however good you are at achieving your goals in your business, the chances are at some point in your personal life you’ve made a New Year’s resolution and broken it soon after – especially when it comes to eating healthily and exercise! Here are some tips to help you see through the promises you’re making:

 

1. Be Realistic

The inevitable way to fall short of your resolution is to make your goal unattainable and unrealistic. Never say ‘never’ or ‘always’: this is setting you up to fail. Instead, strive for a goal that is attainable: exercise ‘more’ or eat ‘less’ are more attainable goals.

2. Plan Ahead

Don’t make your resolution on New Year’s Eve or on the first of January! It should be planned well in advance, then it’s not an idea based on that particular day’s mindset, but something that you feel you can keep to!

3. Outline Your Plan

Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have that piece of cake. This could include calling on a friend for help or practicing positive thinking and self-talk.

4. Focus on one change at a time.

Rather than trying to have several large changes underway at once, break the changes down into smaller goals and focus on one single resolution at a time – so you don’t spread yourself too thinly and will be more likely to achieve more! 

5. Talk about It

Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support you and, even better, find a friend who shares your New Year’s resolution and motivate each other.

6. Reward Yourself

This doesn’t mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates after cutting down on sugar, but it’s a good idea to celebrate the small success by treating yourself to something you enjoy. For example, if you’ve been perfectly sticking to your resolution of eating less chocolate, reward yourself perhaps with new fitness clothing.

7. Track Your Progress

Short-term goals are easier to keep track of. Keep a journal and note your small progressions (e.g ‘lost 5 pounds’, instead of waiting till you lose 2 stone then noting that down). This will help with rewards too.

8. Don’t be too hard on yourself

Obsessing over the occasional slip won’t help you achieve your goal – you can only do your best!

9. Gradually change

A resolution is unlikely to be enduring if you implement it in its full capacity within the first day, for example never eating your favourite treat again. Instead, slowly ease yourself off the treats until they’re no longer part of your diet. Research suggests that it takes at least 21 days of pursuing a new habit to break the old habit. It won’t happen overnight, so be persistent and patient!

10. Keep Trying

If you have totally run out of steam when it comes to keeping your resolution by mid-February, don’t give up. Start over again! Recommit in 24-hour increments: it will soon build up to lead you back on track.

If you would like to contact Arron personally regarding any information you have read or would like help kick starting your resolutions then please contact me via email at arron.hopkinson@yahoo.com or via www.precisionmassage.co.uk