There is always so much momentum before the start of a New Year. We are so excited to start a new thing, gain a new hobby or change part of our current lifestyle for the better. Some of the top ideas that people consider are:
- Starting a diet or weight loss program
- Starting a workout regimen
- Deciding to change a part of their current lifestyle
- Stop drinking or adding rules to limit it
- Being kinder to the Earth
- Volunteering more, learning a new trade, etc.
Overall, there is so much that we can contribute for positive change in the New Year. Whether it is to help grow ourselves to become better at a hobby, or even changing something that we care about enough to change in the new year; we look to begin this challenge on the first of the year.
The question is, once the hype has passed and gone, how do we continue to entertain the idea throughout the year and stay motivated? Here are five ways to keep yourself motivated and dedicated to your New Year Resolutions for 2020.
Have a Monthly Check Point
This may include looking at your strategy for your New Year Resolution. Let’s say your resolution was to start a running program. You started the month strong, but mid-month you ended up getting shin splints and had a take a few days off, then powered through more runs ending in more pain at the end of the month.
Is this enough to make someone quit? Possibly. Is this something that can be worked through? Absolutely!
Let’s examine the plan for February. Maybe you’ll work in a 3-day running plan, with Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday as your run days. Saturdays can be your walking or weight-lifting day to still work your muscles, and Mondays you might take 20 minutes for stretching. Maybe you’re also going to add more lower body stretching to address the shin splint issues before and after your running days. Then going into March, you will again have a new evaluation.
You are sticking to your running program. Perhaps mid-March you commit to a Spring 5k? Now you’ve added another level of accountability.
Short Term focus versus long term yearly goals
Let’s say the idea of your resolution for 2020 is “Starting a Healthy Eating Plan to drop 20 pounds by Spring Break.” This is a shorter-term goal, so what happens after Spring Break? Does everything drop back to old ways? Have you determined the next short-term goal or level to build on your resolution?
Special Events throughout the year always throw you off a bit.
Birthdays, Anniversaries, the Super Bowl or an Oscar party might throw a wrench in your game plan, but at the end of it all, one day doesn’t need to make or break your personal goal.
These events are always going to happen. One thing to consider for these events is bringing a healthy dish. This way you know something can keep you on track, even if you indulge a little on other items.
Try not to consider not attending. This can add a social void into your life. Life events are part of life, and being social is part of it too. Maybe you add some extra fitness activity if you decide you will be indulging that day.
Most importantly, one day doesn’t have to side track your resolution. The next day, get back up and focus. Every day is an opportunity to make smart choices around achieving your goal.
Don’t make your resolution everyone’s resolution.
Just because you’ve decided to do something, doesn’t mean everyone has to do it. However, before deciding on your resolution, think about how it might impact those around you. How will this look in your current lifestyle and be part of sticking to your goals for the New Year? Most likely, your goals will impact your family in some way. Try to have this discussion before you commit to something. It’s not fun to feel like you’ve failed at changing something you’ve already put so much effort into.
Cycle your Resolutions
Instead of having one great big resolution, perhaps you go into the new year with 10. With many resolutions, big or small, you can alternate throughout the year when you become bored with one of two. Plus, it’s fun to have success with achieving goals.
Another tip to any resolution is to write it down and be vocal about it. If you tell someone or put something in writing you are more apt to follow through with it. Depending on how comfortable you are with social media, you can also post something on there too. Don’t be afraid to ask for support around what you are going to do in the new year. This will all help you feel more accountable in the long run.