How to stick to your New Year’s Resolution

So a New Year is just around the corner and I’m sure a lot of you are thinking about setting a New Year’s resolution to get fit and healthy.

Firstly – good on you! But secondly – it’s one thing to make the resolution, but an entirely different thing to follow through with it!

This year, help yourself stick to your resolution by setting goals, making a plan, and figuring out what motivates you.

Here are some learnings from a wise old gal who’s finally found her feet in terms of health and fitness (aka me)!

Set goals

These goals don’t have to be weight loss. They can be getting to a certain dress size, eating healthier, or being able to touch your toes!

Once you have set your goals, write down how you are going to achieve them and set yourself ‘mini’ goals every day. Is it a certain amount of workout sessions per week? Meal prepping every Sunday? 

Last but not least – remind yourself of these goals. Stick them on your mirror, make them your screensaver, set reminders in your phone – anything that will constantly remind you of where you want to be. These goals will change as you progress, but having something to work towards is very important for motivation.

Accountability

Tell your friends and family about your goals. This makes you accountable and you should feel a ‘good’ amount of pressure to follow through with them.

Find out what routine works for you

For example, some people like to work out in the morning and get it over and done with, but if you are not a morning person then don’t try and become one! Exercise when you feel most comfortable. Everyone is different so it’s important to find a routine that works for you. You will be more inclined to stick to it if you enjoy it! 

Take photos

Seeing results is motivating and nothing shows results better than before and after photos. You can gauge weight loss in clothes, take compliments from friends but NOTHING will work as well as photographic evidence. Wear the same clothes, take the picture in the same place, and do the same poses.

Find a buddy

Working out with a friend is great. You motivate each other and can work through the highs and lows of your fitness journey together. As you get older and busier it’s also great to kill two birds with one stone – catch up with a friend and exercise…winning!

Find what exercise works for you

If you don’t like running then don’t run! There are so many forms of exercise out there so find what works for you. I obviously love Pilates because it gives results, is gentle on the body and you can do it anywhere!

Music

Nothing motivates more than some great tunes! Make a playlist and crank your favourite music before and during your workout.

Don’t let it consume you

Last but not lease – exercise, health and food are obviously important but they are not the be all and end all. Make sure you are having fun and making time for the other important things in life.

What have I missed? Tell me what motivates you and helps you stick to your goals.