This is the last month of 2022 and as customary people are already crafting their New Year’s resolutions for the year ahead.
However, studies have shown that seven weeks is the average length of time a New Year’s resolution lasts. In an effort to help you set new goals that last past February, here are some steps you can take in 2023 to reach a consistently fitter, happier and healthier you.
Long-term change is tough. It takes commitment and effort. Therefore, for change to be successful and sustainable, it must be gradual and achievable.
Be realistic and stay consistent
It’s reported that it takes an average of 66 days to change a habit. Therefore, you’re not going to change overnight, and it’s unlikely to happen in January. However, it can be more achievable if you’re realistic about seeking change and stay consistent in your approach. If you’re struggling to maintain your momentum in the first month, try to stick with it, and you should find the change of lifestyle becomes a lot easier by the end of the second month.
Set SMART goals
To stay focused and remind yourself of what you want to achieve, set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound (SMART) goals. Without goals, there’s little accountability, and measuring progress is difficult.
Create manageable targets
You should aim for targets that you have an eight out of ten chance of doing. If your average daily step count is 5,000, rather than having your goal as 10,000 and not making it, set a target for say 6,000 and work out how you will walk your extra steps easily.
List benefits of getting fit and healthy
By listing the benefits of getting fit, you’ll create personal reasons to keep going. You’ll also have a reminder if you have weak moments, and you can stick it somewhere you’ll see it.
The benefits of exercise are well documented, but this is your list. Write down what’s important to you.
Schedule your workouts
While some of us may like to wing it when it comes to fitness, the reality is that it’s easy for life to get in the way of preventing us from working out. If you have a weekly schedule, then it’s harder to avoid.
Put exercise in your diary around your other commitments. Plan for when you are least likely to abandon the idea, such as first thing in the morning.
Don’t compare yourself
Don’t panic if it’s your first exercise class or workout for a while and others seem fitter than you—work towards your own targets and objectives, not someone else’s.
Healthy competition is one thing, but unrealistic goals are sure to invoke demotivation.
Be sure to check back next week for some more tips for a fitter, healthier 2023.
