2024 is here! A new year, and time for a new fit and healthier you. Sounds good, but how to make it happen? While annually making resolutions is well intended, we all know that urgency to change fades in a matter of weeks. This leads to a depressing cycle of failed attempts year after year and the feeling that success won’t ever happen.
Here's a new way to think about this. Instead of making a resolution dig deep and figure out the underlying motivation that’s driving you. A fitness resolution is rarely just about improving fitness and eating healthier. It’s more about the connection you make with yourself at an emotional level that drives inspired action to change.
To find your “inspiration” grab a piece of paper, a pen, and your phone. Find a quiet place to sit and write down answers to three questions. Set a timer for five minutes and begin writing whatever comes to mind without judgment.
- What do I want?
- How do I want to feel?
- What am I willing to do about it?
This simple exercise will help you find your “why” and pinpoint your goal.
Next, decide what commitments you’re willing to make to achieve what you want, and feel how you want to feel. Commitments are different than goals. Your goal is the outcome. Let’s say you want to lose 30 pounds. Commitments are the daily actions that build new habits and lead to a goal.
Examples might include exercising three times a week for 45 minutes, eating fresh veggies in two meals a day, and getting to bed by 9 p.m. These actions should be specific and measurable. You should have no more than three commitments per month. Frankly, I suggest just one because fewer commitments at a time helps make accomplishing all of them more doable. Why? Just one commitment at a time avoids the feeling of being overwhelmed. However you approach commitments, make sure to write it down and read it in the morning and before bed. This keeps commitments top-of-mind. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Once you’ve made your commitments it’s time to act and track progress. If you’re tech savvy find an app that works for you or consider keeping a journal. Keeping personal notes allows you to record your actions and how you feel. A journal helps identify patterns. Do you overeat or make unhealthy food choices when stressed out? Do you skip workouts when your schedule gets busy? Is it more difficult to be motivated on dark winter mornings? Developing awareness of your patterns will help you change them. Plus, tracking progress keeps you focused and motivated.
Most of all, have fun and reward yourself. When it comes to making long-term change, fun is essential. It’s unrealistic to consistently force yourself to do something you don’t enjoy and expect to achieve sustainable results. Find rewards that celebrate your progress without undermining your goal. Pampering yourself with a massage, manicure, or pedicure, is an excellent way to reward yourself, and recognize the progress you’ve made when you follow through on your commitments.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but as you work toward developing new habits, change will come, and it will be long-lasting. Remember this, and you will receive the greatest gift ever… the gift of health. Happy New Year!
About the Author: Sean Lee has been in the health and fitness industry for 23 years as a speaker, best-selling author, and founder of Restoration Fitness, Lake Zurich’s premier wellness studio. Visit RestorationFitness.com to learn more or call 847.847.1837 to schedule a free consultation.
