Let’s stop calling it the New Year’s resolution, and instead see our changes as health goals. Goals are the promises of a changed life.
It’s that time of year again – when everyone makes promises they can’t keep. New Years’ resolutions are thrown out like free gifts on the Oprah Show, only to be forgotten in about a month.
Fitness centers are filled to capacity on the 1st of January only to see the numbers drop off three weeks later. So, how can we achieve our health and fitness goals?
From resolutions to health goals
You want this year to be different. You’re ready to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. This time you’re ready to take on all challenges and knock out anything that stands in your way. You’re ready to get to the finish line, which has seemed so distant in the past.
To help you reach those goals, here is our 8-step process for getting into the best shape of your life.
1. Stop Believing Myths
Social media and the internet have made it easier to spread lies, and the fitness industry isn’t immune. If you’re going to succeed this year, you must stop believing lies. Some of these include:
- One exercise fits all – Stop believing that what works for him will work for you. The routine that helped your friend get huge biceps may not work the same for you if your body types are different. Look at different diet and exercise plans and find what works for you and stick to it.
- Eat white meat only – Your meat intake should absolutely be more of the white and lean variety. However, there’s nothing wrong with the occasional consumption of red meat.
- You must become a vegan – Unfortunately, many on the internet have made it seem as if being a vegan is the only way to healthy living. That’s simply not true. Regardless of whether or not you choose to eat meat, a balanced diet is the ultimate key to a healthy lifestyle.
- Cardio isn’t really necessary – Says no healthy person ever. A regular cardio routine is an absolute must for achieving your health goals.
2. Find Your Groove
Build good habits. From fast-food temptations to cold winter days, there are going to be plenty of challenges thrown your way to knock you off course. One way to overcome these challenges is to develop good habits.
They won’t stop you from ever falling off the wagon, but when you do, they make it easier to get back on.
3. Plan Your Meals
Believe it or not, proper nutrition is the most important aspect of achieving your fitness goals. Meal planning is the perfect tool. Planning out your meals isn’t as difficult as it sounds and there are plenty of online resources to help you plan for up to 30 days or more at a time.
By having your meals planned out, not only does it reduce the likelihood of a “surprise” trip to the fast-food restaurant, but it ensures that you get exactly what you need from your meals every day to reach your goals.
4. Vitamins and supplements
Another way to keep your health goals is to try vitamins and supplements. Although you should never overdo this aspect of health and wellness, vitamins and supplements can add nutrition you may not be getting from the food you eat.
According to 30-day weight loss guides, vitamins and supplements fill gaps and build muscle in place of fat. They also enhance metabolism.
5. Keep a Workout Journal
Especially for beginners, journaling your workouts will provide a sense of accountability while also ensuring that you continue to progress.
Many people end up doing the same exercises using the same amount of resistance for weeks on end and wonder why they’re not getting the expected results. Journaling helps to keep you pushing towards the future which can help you reach your goals faster.
6. Get a Partner
Accountability is key in this journey. Facebook likes on progress pictures, while nice to see, aren’t there for you when you don’t want to get off your couch.
Find a friend or coworker or meet someone in a class who share the same goals as you to be your workout partner. The road is much easier to travel when someone’s walking it with you.
7. Small steps
Speaking of health goals, you don’t always have to take huge steps all at once. Many goals are reached by making smaller goals because they are easier to attain and boost your morale.
With the boost in morale, your motivation improves and you are able to set additional small goals. After a while, you can see a great improvement in your health.
8. Meditate!
Here we are again, learning that meditation helps you improve your health and thus reach your goals. While meditation isn’t a high impact exercise, it works by calming your mind and improving focus.
As most people know, mental health is linked to physical health which greatly improves our chances with sticking to a healthy routine. If you don’t know how to meditate, there are plenty of materials to help you get started.
Keep Moving
No matter what happens, don’t stop moving. No matter how many times you fall off the horse, get back on until you reach your destination. Make this the year you actually live the phrase “New Year. New You!”
Also remember, when making those resolutions, refer to them as health goals. After all, you’re changing your lifestyle for good, and not just for one year. I wish you luck on your journey.
