The start of the new year is an exciting time where many of us feel inspired to set goals with the intention of improving our health, finances and overall wellbeing. Goal setting, even with the best intentions, can be short lived when the enthusiasm dies out, and we’re back to old habits. Here are a few tips to help you keep your New Year’s Resolutions for longer and reach the goals that you do want to set for yourself.
- Start before the new year.
Many people leave setting goals until New Year’s Eve, especially with Christmas and New Year’s Parties making healthy living seem a little more out of reach. However, starting your resolutions earlier can actually be a great idea as this means the momentum is already flowing when the new year arrives. Another benefit to starting your goals early is that this might encourage you to go a little lighter throughout the holidays, rather than writing off the entire month.
- Let go of ‘all or nothing thinking’
The problem with many diets and exercise programs is that once you miss a day at the gym or have a day or extras food or drinks, it can be perceived as failure, which can lead to feeling like giving up altogether. Strict regimes are both unrealistic and unhealthy and don’t leave a lot of room for fun and flexibility. It’s important that your goals are achievable.
- Track your progress
One of the best ways to stick to a new routine is to keep track of how often you show up. Start a checklist and tick off every day or everything that you stick to in your new routine. It only takes 21 days for a new habit to form, which means if you are able to keep it up for just 21 days, you’ve done most of the hard work.
- Get your niggles checked out
Nothing will stop a new exercise program faster than pain or injury. Unfortunately, small niggles do often become more problematic when you start asking more from your body. Head to your physio for advice on how to avoid any injuries if you are taking up new activity and get those small aches and pains sorted out.
Ask your physio for more tips on how to plan and stick to your New Year’s Goals. Happy New Year from our team! None of the information in this article is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always see a medical professional for advice on your individual injury.