Haven't we done this before? Social media is blowing up right now with resolutions! Weight loss, financial freedom, 5K's and more but a funny thing happens between the champagne-induced motivation and the moment you set forth to accomplish your monumental feat...you quit.
It doesn’t matter how big of a mountain you are wanting to climb in 2015 but what is crucial is to have sensible and realistic strategies
you can implement that will systematically lead you down the path to achieving your goals. Are you ready? Follow these four steps to
success:
1. Drop the resolution but set goals: Resolutions are just talk. Goals, when set properly, are the real deal. Set both long and
short term goals using the S.M.A.R.T. method.
This means your goals are:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time Specific
2. The journey vs the destination approach: Your long term goal (losing 50 pounds, saving $1,000 dollars, getting a promotion) is the destination. The short term goals (exercising 4 days/week, saving $19.23/week, starting a master's degree) is the journey
that gets you to the destination.
3. Master then move forward: How many times has the "I'm gonna change everything about my behavior, habits and lifestyle" worked longer than 5 days? One of the key concepts we promote is to start with 1-2 small strategies you can implement without too
much upheaval in your current routine. Once you master those strategies, you add another. For example, if you currently eat no fruits or vegetables you will fail if you try to flip the switch and attempt to consume 6+ servings a day. Instead start with one fruit
serving. When you have easily assimilated that into your daily life, add a spinach salad and so on until you are consuming the recommended daily amount. This approach can be used with any strategy. Start slow and finish strong!
4. Celebrate the little things: If you are expecting the overnight transformation coupled with a 20 pound weight loss after 4 exercise sessions you will be very disappointed. Be prepared to work 4-6 weeks before you see physical change but if you are consistent
with tips 1-3 you will see and feel changes such as:
More energy
Better sleep
Greater self-esteem
Lower blood sugars (if diabetic)
Lower blood pressure (if you have high blood pressure)
Enhanced mood
These small victories will be what motivates you to continue past the 1st four weeks until you see a noticeable change in the mirror!
It doesn’t matter how big of a mountain you are wanting to climb in 2015 but what is crucial is to have sensible and realistic strategies
you can implement that will systematically lead you down the path to achieving your goals. Are you ready? Follow these four steps to
success:
1. Drop the resolution but set goals: Resolutions are just talk. Goals, when set properly, are the real deal. Set both long and
short term goals using the S.M.A.R.T. method.
This means your goals are:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time Specific
2. The journey vs the destination approach: Your long term goal (losing 50 pounds, saving $1,000 dollars, getting a promotion) is the destination. The short term goals (exercising 4 days/week, saving $19.23/week, starting a master's degree) is the journey
that gets you to the destination.
3. Master then move forward: How many times has the "I'm gonna change everything about my behavior, habits and lifestyle" worked longer than 5 days? One of the key concepts we promote is to start with 1-2 small strategies you can implement without too
much upheaval in your current routine. Once you master those strategies, you add another. For example, if you currently eat no fruits or vegetables you will fail if you try to flip the switch and attempt to consume 6+ servings a day. Instead start with one fruit
serving. When you have easily assimilated that into your daily life, add a spinach salad and so on until you are consuming the recommended daily amount. This approach can be used with any strategy. Start slow and finish strong!
4. Celebrate the little things: If you are expecting the overnight transformation coupled with a 20 pound weight loss after 4 exercise sessions you will be very disappointed. Be prepared to work 4-6 weeks before you see physical change but if you are consistent
with tips 1-3 you will see and feel changes such as:
More energy
Better sleep
Greater self-esteem
Lower blood sugars (if diabetic)
Lower blood pressure (if you have high blood pressure)
Enhanced mood
These small victories will be what motivates you to continue past the 1st four weeks until you see a noticeable change in the mirror!
 | If we can be of assistance do not hesitate to call! In West St. Louis County you can reach the Integrated Wellness Team at 314-807-8634. East of I-270 give our friends at Forward Fitness a call at 314-FORWARD. We are ready to help you knock 2015 out of the park! |
RSS Feed
