Did you make a New Year’s Resolution? Research says 60% of Americans make them, yet only half of the resolvers are still committed by the end of January, and only 8% actually reach their goals. Not surprisingly, the overwhelming majority of resolutions are centered around losing weight, eating better and getting fit. So what’s the secret to staying committed?
Whatever you are resolving to change didn’t happen in 30 days, so the fix usually won’t happen in a month either. Changing your mindset and considering the following advice just might give you the solution to keep your resolution.
SLEEP MORE
There’s not too many Americans who could not benefit from getting more sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need a solid 7-9 hours per night, but most try and function on just 4-6. Sleep deprivation has been linked to weight gain, depression, premature aging, forgetfulness and poor decisions. It makes sense that when you are sleep deprived you’re more likely to skip your workout, give into a sugar craving or loose motivation and focus.
SET SPECIFIC STRATEGY
“I am going to lose weight.”
“I want to be a size 6.”
“I am going to eat a paleo diet.”
“I want to workout more.”
These resolutions are destinations, but they do not specifically speak to the journey. Setting actionable steps for your end goal will set the path to success. Committing to meal prep every Sunday and traveling with paleo snacks to eliminate bad choices on-the-go will help you get closer to the destination. Getting to your CrossFit box or your local gym 4-5 times a week rather than 2-3 is a specific strategy that will pay huge dividends. Keep in mind, it’s impossible to out train a bad diet, so if your goal is to lose weight, healthy food in reasonable portions is an absolute MUST.
ACCOUNTABLE
Tell someone about your specific plans or even recruit a positive partner to help you with accountability. Stopping and starting strategies to life a healthier life will keep you standing still at best and will not help you reach your end goals. Eating great on week days and bingeing on the weekends is a common trap leaving many in a frustrated cycle. Break that pattern by staying accountable to a friend, a hand written plan or an online support group. When someone else is counting on your mutual support, you are more likely to stay on track!
STAY AWAY FROM SABOTAGE
Steer clear of situations that will sabotage your goal. Whether it be the bread basket at Outback Steakhouse or a house party with a cocktail-chip-dip buffet, if you can’t pass on the temptation keep yourself away from the situation. Not forever of course, but just until your new lifestyle changes become habit and you’ve had enough success to keep you motivated to just say NO.
SLIP BUT DON’T FALL OFF
Mistakes are going to happen. Consuming food is not something you can ever quit completely like alcohol or cigarettes, so making an off-plan choice once does not have to mean you have to abandon your resolution. If you are planning a special occasion where you know you are indulging, plan on enjoying it too! Make sure to schedule a workout that day to balance the choice.
BELIEVE
Change your language, and you just might change your life. If you think you can’t, you’re right. But if you know you can, you will! Your success starts with you. Often times we blame other factors for our lack of commitment. Busy schedules, family commitments and stress at work are all common excuses people offer for not making better choices around diet and fitness. Plan around your busy schedule, get your family involved in your commitment, meal prep and stock your to-go bag with Steve’s PaleoGoods and success will be yours! It’s hard to make a poor choice when good ones are readily available.
