How is January going for you? On 1st January across the world, millions of us make lofty promises to ourselves. We’ll get healthy, go to the gym, drink less wine and eat more greens. We plan to be perfect. Veganuary, Dry January, detox diets and fitness regimes are everywhere, to the point that it’s hard not feel guilty if you’ve not made any New Year’s resolutions!
But by February, most resolutions are gathering dust as we wrestle with the reality of work, family life, busy calendars and bills. The question is… why?
According to psychologists, even though most of us want fast results, we procrastinate. Sustained effort is key to success, so by expecting too much, setting unrealistic goals or trying to change too many things at once, we set ourselves up for failure from the outset.
Resolutions are a healthy way to reboot your life – but you need to keep them real.
The secret is to commit to long-term, achievable goals that don’t feel like a punishment. Here’s how:
- Baby steps. Taking one step forward is infinitely better than standing still or going too far, too fast. If you want to cut out alcohol but your post-work habit is hard to crack, then start by having one alcohol-free night each week. Next week, make it two. And so on…
- Focus on pleasure, not pain. Diets are a common New Year goal – but why turn your meal times into a prison sentence? Sustainable, health-boosting plans, such as the Low GL way of eating, are fun, affordable and delicious. Many people associate ‘eating healthily’ with deprivation, rather than delight. Turn those thoughts around – each healthy bite you’re choosing is a gift to yourself.
- Swap bad habits for good ones. You might not want to give up your Friday croissant and hot chocolate fix, but you can. Just replace it with a healthier alternative. Many of my clients say swapping out their tea and biscuits for two squares of 75% dark chocolate and a handful of nuts was a lot easier than expected. Choose your habits wisely – don’t allow them to choose you.
- Tell a friend. Voicing the possibility for change makes it more likely to happen. If you can rope a friend into keeping you accountable, so much the better. Accountability is part of the role of a health coach; keeping you in action, motivated and moving towards whatever it is that you want for yourself and your life. Real goals aren’t like wishing on stars – you don’t have to keep them a secret. And having a team behind you makes winning that much easier.
- Record it. Seeing your resolutions in black and white increases your chances of sticking to them. Have them ‘in your face’, where you can read them daily. On the fridge, in your diary or on your desk are great spots for a regular reminder.
- Your attitude determines your altitude. The way you get there is more important than the goal. It’s no use mentally committing to a 10-mile run three times a week if you’re only going to think about it, rather than do it. Instead, stop procrastinating and start doing: get up, put on your trainers and just exit the front door. Run as far as feels good on the day. Less detail, more action.
- Respect yourself. The slightest improvement is worth a cheer. Be proud of and acknowledge what you’ve achieved, no matter how small. Drinking three extra glasses of water a day, or squeezing in a couple more portions of veg at lunchtime are small steps that are very much worthy of celebration.
If you’ve decided to make 2023 the year you’ll fix those niggling health issues or make a commitment to knowing what to eat to feel great, don’t forget I offer all prospective clients a free introductory health review where we can discuss what’s going on for you right now, and talk about the small changes that will set you on the path to success.
Spicy vegetable soup