Goals over Resolutions
A new year means New Year’s resolutions, right? Lose weight, save money, quit smoking, etc. Or have you stopped making New Year’s resolutions because historically you have not always managed to follow through on them? A resolution means to make a decision to do something. But making the decision is one thing. Establishing how to follow through with that decision is another. New habits take time to establish, no matter how determined you are. So setting goals is a far more realistic way of achieving what you set out to do – one step at a time. Get started with these goal-setting tips:
– Write your goal down and track your progress. Achieving a goal means changing your day-to-day habits and routines. That’s not easy! Be prepared for it to take time and energy. We tend to want instant change, but that’s just not how it often works.
– Failure is part of the process. Give yourself a break! If today didn’t pan out like you thought it would that’s ok! Tomorrow is an opportunity to refocus and try again.
– Do more of what works and less of what doesn’t. Don’t lose sight of the fact that all the small steps are moving you forward towards the bigger goal itself.
– Make your goal realistic and attainable. Running Comrades this year should not be your goal if you haven’t exercised for 10 years! If Comrades is the big goal, then start with a 10 km race and then a 20 km race. Setting an unrealistic goal means setting yourself up for failure from the start.
– If the goal you set is too difficult or isn’t working for you, adjust it. It’s not cast in stone so allow yourself to be flexible.
– Find a way to hold yourself accountable. Make a promise to someone you don’t want to let down, like your child or spouse. Or join a group of people with similar goals, like a running club or weight loss group.
– Give yourself a pat on the back! If losing weight is your goal, celebrate every kilo! And there’s nothing wrong with a bit of bragging. Let the people around you know what progress you have made so they can cheer you on.
– Having a bad day and falling back into old habits is totally normal! You are human after all. Don’t get despondent. It’s never too late to get back on the horse. You got this!