Setting Realistic Goals for a Healthier You

It seems that every time January 1st rolls around, we chose our obligatory new year’s resolutions and dutifully stick to our plan for the next six weeks, but come mid-February, we are back to our old habits and our resolutions have fallen by the wayside.

The beginning of a new year isn’t a bad time to start forming better habits, the problem is, we feel obligated to MAKE them… with no real drive to KEEP them. 

Here are some great ways to help set realistic goals any day of the year and keep them for the long run.

Start slow

Building up to your goals will make them easier to adhere to. 

If you go from no activity to saying, “I will work out two hours a day!” or “I will never eat fast food again!”, it’s very difficult to be mentally prepared for such a drastic lifestyle change. 

Using words like “always” and “never” can lead to feelings of failure if you do have the inevitable slip up and send you on an unhealthy downward spiral. Instead, start small and work your way up to those loftier goals.

Be Specific

Take a peek at your long term goals but that’s not where start today.

Saying “I want to lose weight” or “I want to get healthy” is a great mindset, but it won’t set you on your path to success. 

How do you quantify being stronger or healthier and when will you know you’ve reached your goals? 

Instead of saying, “I’m going to work out more.”, set your intention, “I’m going to work out at least 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week” gives you something tangible to work toward.

Also, setting specific action steps like this gives you control over your goal. Now, add some tracking and accountability to that specific goal and you’re much more likely to stay with it. 

Know Your Why

What is the why behind your goal? This actually takes some time to think about. I can promise you whatever answer you come up with instantly isn’t going to be the one that actually motivates you. 

You have to dig deeper. What REALLY moves you?

Is it so you can look in the mirror and be proud of the person staring back at you? 

Or because you want to play with you kids in the park without getting winded? 

Whatever your reason, dig deep until you discover your true answer. Knowing your why will help motivate you on the days you don’t feel like getting out of bed, much less going for a run.

It takes a minimum of 21 days to form a habit and four to six weeks to see changes in your body with consistent exercise and healthy eating, so don’t be discouraged if you aren’t seeing results right away. Keep at it one day at a time and with patience, you will start to see and feel like a healthier you.