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Right now everyone’s all fired up to make a change, to bust out some new goals, declare their resolutions. The gyms are busier than ever, and all types of assorted diet products are flying off the shelves.
But what happens in a couple of weeks…after the dust settles…after the New Year’s confetti is gone?
Here are a few tips to help turn all that New Year’s motivation into good habits all year long.
Pace yourself — It is very easy to get too hyped up – even “over-motivated”? – go out too hard, and then fizzle, or get injured. Start small…baby steps can add up to big payoffs down the road.
Be consistent — Everything I’ve ever read says that it takes between 21 and 28 days to build a good habit, and from personal experience I believe that to be true. A little something each day during the first 3 – 4 weeks will help ensure the new habit sticks.
Be kind to yourself — Everyone experiences set backs. When you fall down (either literally or figuratively), the key is to not beat yourself up over it, but be willing to pick yourself up and begin again.
Find a partner or group — There’s a lot to be said for being accountable to someone else and having someone to draw motivation from on those days when you’re not feeling it.
Surround yourself with success — Part two of finding a partner is to beware of spending time around others who don’t support your efforts – they will drain you! As much as possible, spend time with others who model the behavior/habits you’re striving for.
Keep visual reminders — Whether it’s a word, phrase or photo, posting visual reminders where you’re sure to see them will help keep your goals at the forefront. Energy flows where attention goes so make your goals hard to ignore and you’re more likely to follow through.
Great advice! I’m not trying to create new habits, I think I’m doing quite well! I run the school run, so I run daily.
Great advice!! I agree with surrounding yourself with others who support you! It is so key!
Michelle–this is a great, timely post! While I hate the crowded gyms in January, it’s also sad when so many people give up so quickly. I think your tips could really help with this.
Great reminders! I’m in the habit of working out I need to get in the habit of planning my workouts when I don’t have a specific training plan to follow. Easier said than done!
This is great advice Michelle! I think too many people get discouraged too early in the year and expect too much of themselves.
Great post Michelle. This was good to read today.
It’s all about not burning out early on… that is why there is such a huge drop-off after a couple weeks.
Excellent advice here Michelle! I’ll pass this on.
These are great tips! I think we expect “perfection” on diet/exercise goals and then give up when we can’t live up to that, but for other things (reading more books, being more organized, etc.), we can do our best and not get discouraged.