Since we are now in May, I thought I would check in and see how your New Year’s Resolutions are coming. Setting resolutions and goals can be a great way to be intentional with your time. I love setting goals as it helps me think about what I want to accomplish. It causes me to think about the process and actions steps needed to reach the goals.
Tips for achieving your health and wellness goals:
1) Start small. Pick one or two action steps to focus on each week. This allows you to make small changes that are more likely to stick so you can see results that you want. Keep it simple! Some examples: Drink 64oz of water per day. Walk the dog for 1 mile in the morning and at night. Add 1 serving of vegetables to lunch daily.
2) Make sure your tasks are measureable and specific. For example, I want to walk thirty minutes, four days per week, and go to a yoga class twice per week. This approach allows you to quickly know if you are on track.
3) Track your progress. It is great to set goals, but if are not checking in daily, weekly, or even monthly, you will never know if you are making progress. Tag up with a friend and check in weekly to make you accountable for your fitness and nutrition goals.
4) Be realistic with yourself. Make sure the goal is attainable. You want to see success and it is hard to be successful if the goal is not achievable.
As a dietitian and health coach, I often see clients set goals that are unrealistic, not measurable, and too broad. If we try to change our diet and fitness routine all at once, there is no way it will last a week. Think small steps so your healthy habits will stick. I have my clients pick 1 or 2 health related goals to focus on each week.
Did you know you lose motivation as your day progresses? True fact. So, plan those early morning workouts and fuel with a healthy breakfast so you can start the day on the right foot.
This year I have been keeping track of my goals using Lara Casey’s PowerSheets. I keep it on my bedside table so I can check them off daily as I climb into bed, but also so it is the first thing I see after I rise. After a few months of using her PowerSheets I must admit I am hooked. They help me revisit goals I previously set, and to reflect on Lara’s motto “Cultivate What Matters.” There was one month where I did not accomplish any of my monthly goals, but that is totally okay because it gave me the opportunity to review the roadblocks and find other action steps to focus on so it can be attainable in the future. I also like to keep the motto “Progress NOT Perfection.”
In the past I would always set New Year Resolutions, but I would never go back and review them a few months later or think about why I did not accomplish them. Two years ago, we were expecting our third boy and had a 4 yr old and 18-month-old. That year my friends asked me my resolution and without skipping a beat I told her, “My goal in 2017 is to survive!” Luckily, I met that goal and so this past year I decided to focus on one thing in general for this year.
2018 is about me! I am focusing and working on self-care so I can be strong mentally and physically to best be able to provide for my family. At times it seems selfish to take a little time for myself, but those few hours here and there provide a fresh and energetic prospective on life.
Do you use any tools to help you stay on track with your goals???
Cheers,
Grace