Want your resolutions to last beyond February? Then let's take a deeper look at your goals and source of motivation...
2020 is THE year. I’m going to reach new levels of fitness and strength and finally have arms that look like Michelle Obama’s. I’m going to consciously uncouple from my Uber Eats delivery guy and cut down on my alcohol intake. I’m imagining myself bouncing out of bed each morning, basking in the glow of my radiant skin...
Unfortunately it’s February and I’m still seeing my Uber eats Delivery driver regularly and barely managed an alcohol free day last week. What is it about New Year's resolutions that sees over 90% of us fail by the end of January?
What is the secret to making sustainable changes to our health and well being?
Consistency trumps intensity. Every time.
As humans we are drawn towards intensity over consistency. The appeal of the 8 week challenge or the 7 day detox is much greater than resolving ourselves to the fact that when it comes to our health and wellbeing, we need to play the long game. We all too often find ourselves relying on willpower which, as I mentioned in a previous blog post, can be a limited resource. We get a chink in our willpower armour and all our good work collapses around us. We are left feeling frustrated, out of control and ashamed that we are the only ones who can’t seem to stick to our new diet and exercise regime.
In this scenario it’s important to remember - you didn’t fail the diet, the diet failed you. Look at some small sustainable healthy changes that you can realistically see fitting into your life. Start with one or two at a time and repeat them every day until they become part of your normal routine. Then add in the next set of changes.
Over time, just like interest accruing in a bank account, you will start to reap the rewards! But unlike your 7 day detox, these results will not be fleeting, they will be here to stay.
Self love not tough love.
Research around weight loss in particular shows that we are more likely to experience success when we are approaching it from a place of self compassion and self love rather than self loathing and negativity. Think about the type of environment we try to create for our kids so they can grow and flourish...it is full of positive language and encouragement to keep going when they have a setback. So why then, when it comes to our own health and weight loss do we continue to put ourselves down and talk to ourselves in ways we would never dream of talking to others. Change the internal dialogue and create space for yourself to grow and flourish...and yes, mistakes and setbacks will inevitably be part of the change process but instead of using the tough love approach, try some encouragement instead.
Meaningful goals lead to meaningful change.
What’s important to you? I mean really important? Are the goals you have set for yourself still meaningful and relevant? Or do you keep them because you think you should?
Think of your goal and ask yourself why it is important. Continue to ask yourself why, peeling back the layers as you go. This will help you to establish the importance of your goal. You may find your priorities have shifted since you set your original goals and it is time to set your sights on something new and meaningful. When the going gets tough, which it will, if you are not connected to your goal, it will be very easy to put it all in the ‘too hard’ basket and you will find yourself in the exact same place when you are setting your New Year’s resolutions for 2021.
Let’s not have this conversation again in 12 months’ time. Let’s make some REAL progress this year.
May 2020 be a year filled with happiness, joy, energy, fulfillment and adventure!
I have some spaces for introductory sessions (no cost) where we can explore your goals, barriers and start to formulate some action steps. Click here to book in!
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