Maintaining your goals for the long haul.
I bet so many of you are on the fence about new years resolutions. That’s because they don’t work the way we typically approach them.
I personally like New Years resolutions-It can be a great time to reflect and feel renewed after the physical and mental stress of the holidays.
But in order for your resolutions or goals to actually work for you, you have to design them intentionally.
1. Keep it real. Don’t go all or nothing. Progress over perfection.
Start with bite sized, realistic, attainable goals and build from there.
I know this isn’t as sexy as these cleanses or diet trends that take you from 0 to 100. But I can tell you with so much confidence that those don’t work. But small, consistent efforts do.
Also, be real with what you need to achieve your goals- like maybe more support from a friend or spouse to make more time for yourself. Ask for help when you need it!
2. Do a time audit
“The greatest dividing line between success and failure can be expressed in 5 words: “I don’t have the time” -Franklin Field
Listen, I get it. Sometimes life can be unbearably busy. But let me remind you of something- you said yes to those things. Start learning to set boundaries when it comes to your time. You have it, I promise (just check your screen time app).
Truth bomb-You will always make time for what is important to you, and if you forget yourself when things get busy, you don’t think you or your wellness is really that important. Yes, I am calling you out!
3. Anticipate the bumps in the road ahead of time.
Failure is not the opposite of success, its a part of it! And i’m assuming you’re a human soooo… perfection isn’t possible.
It can be bumpy on the road to wellness. We tend to envision this perfect path- Instead anticipate the bumps in the road ahead of time and make a plan for when that inevitably happens.
ie: getting home late from work and not feeling like cooking, changes in weather or time changes, eating out, travel, holidays, comments from friends and fam…
When you at times lose focus on your goals, instead of being hard on yourself or giving up, reflect on why that happened so you can learn from it. Do yourself a favor and just expect this is going to happen at some point!
4. Deeply connect with your POSITIVE motivations-rooted in self love.
Really reflect on this one homegirl. We’ve normalized so much self loathing with our bodies that it seriously clouds our judgement when it comes to our wellness goals.
My advice- try your best to focus on your health independent of your weight. Measure your success by how you will feel, not only how you will look. This is when your body will feel safe enough to find a healthy weight.
5. Visualize what life will be like when you finally start focusing on yourself.
I mean really visualize. Sit down and journal about this. Talk about it with your friends.
What will you do with more energy and less brain fog? How will it feel to prioritize yourself consistently and set boundaries with your energy? Your mindset matters so much, really work to believe in your healing process.
6. Last but not least, have fun!
Your wellness goals are meant to make your life better, not miserable! Enjoyment is absolutely key. Of course that doesn’t mean it won’t ever feel hard or like a stretch, but I promise improving your diet doesn’t have to be an awful experience.
