It’s February and it might seem like January 1stwas a long time ago…remember when you set those goals and were determined that this was “your year”?
Health goals are the most widely set goals: It is reported that 20% of us set goals for exercise, 18% set goals to diet to lose weight, 12% of us just resolve to eat better and 6% have some form self-care as their resolution.
What were your resolutions? How are you doing so far?
According to cnn.com, 40% of Americans set New Year’s resolutions and 40-44% of us keep them. (There are other reports that only 20% of 1000 surveyed had kept their resolutions after 6 months.) One of the key indicators of whether or not you will keep them is your belief that you will or will not!
So clearly, believing in yourself is key but here are 5 other suggestions to help you stick to your resolutions.
- Find a buddy!It might be your best friend, a significant other or even your whole family! When we make a commitment to someone else, we tend to honor it more than we honor our commitment to ourselves. I know that this has certainly been true for me. Whenever I have engaged in an effort to lose weight or master a new skill or create a new habit, having someone that I’m accountable to really makes a difference.
It might be as simple as meeting at the gym at a set time or going for a run, walk or bike ride on a regular schedule or it might be as complex as having a tracking system for nutrition intake, water intake, exercise, sleep, etc. There are lots of resources out there. Choose what feels right for you.
- Join a program. Whether it’s a program set up to help you with your nutritional needs or a 6-week (or more) exercise program, being part of a group of people with a common goal can really be inspiring.
There are many gyms out there that have built their entire reputations by being a place where members have a sense of comradery. We’ve seen a real rise in this type of gym over the past 2 decades with the rise of Cross-Fit Gyms (referred to as “boxes”) and other bootcamp style training programs. I think the appeal is everyone really pushing themselves together. (there are some dangers there, too, when improperly supervised)
Jake and I have been recommending a healthy living program for many years called Shred10. It’s all about shredding some habits that might not serve you and taking on some new habits that do! There are free cookbooks, workouts, kids’ program, an eating plan, Facebook group support and so much more. You can get more info HERE.
- Hire a trainer or a coach. As a certified fitness instructor and health coach, I truly believe in the power of hiring someone with more experience than oneself OR, even if you have the experience, hiring someone to hold you to account, advise, critique and cheerlead, as sometimes only a professional can. I know when I’m spending money, I’m less likely to miss a workout session and when I know that someone will be evaluating my food journal at the end of the week, I tend to make better choices. You probably will, too.
How to choose a trainer or coach? Word of mouth and reviews can be helpful as can going to the certification organizations themselves. For example, the 5 most respected accredited personal trainer certificates out there are ACE (American Council on Exercise), ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association),NASM(National Academy of Sports Medicine), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)and NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). You might start with one of them.
Similarly, if you’re looking for a health coach, you might try IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition). Dr. Sear’s Wellness Coaching or the above personal training organizations as some of them also certify health coaches.
Many trainers and coaches offer some free sessions, so take advantage of that and find the right fit for you.
- Join a Team! This might sound crazy once you’re past college age but I have to say that joining a tennis team has done wonders for my love of exercise PLUS, I’m working on developing new neural pathways by learning a new sport (especially one with hand-eye coordination) AND I’m making new friends. So much fun!
Jake LOVES being part of several different volleyball teams and my husband, at 68, still plays doubles beach volleyball 3 days/week. Being on a team is like having a whole group buddies and it’s so much fun getting better together.
- Lastly, if you really, really, really want to immerse yourself in keeping health habits, consider starting a “side-hustle” in the wellness industry. I know many people who have done this…it was how I got started. There are lots of things one can do in the wellness industry and learning more about fitness and health and sharing it with others can really keep it alive for you.
If that interests you, check out what it might be like to work with Jake and me. We’ve helped hundreds of people develop part time and even full-time careers following a passion for learning more about health and wellness and sharing it with others.
There you have it! Five ways to keep your New Year’s resolutions. Which ones will you try?
