A few weeks ago, we gave you suggestions on how to prepare your New Year’s resolutions. Now that we’re in the middle of January, the question is: How are you doing? After all, making the resolutions is easy. It’s the keeping them that gets a little more challenging.
Unfortunately, only about 8% of people who make resolutions succeed in fulfilling them. And that failure has a psychological impact, not to mention that you didn’t actually achieve the change you hoped to. It’s a double whammy.
You want to achieve that New Year’s resolution! So how do you stay committed as the days and months tick by?
1. Be Patient
Change takes time, so be patient with yourself. Did you know it can take up two months to form a new habit? Assuming you’re firing on all cylinders toward those resolutions already, you really won’t be hitting that habit-forming groove until next month. And because every person—and every goal—is different, it may even take you a little bit longer.
2. Be Realistic
Most resolutions come with a series of commitments beyond the goal. Like losing weight, for example. What commitments do you need to make to achieve that? Cooking at home more may require a lifestyle adjustment. Buying organic fruits and vegetables will increase your budget. Going low-carb means finding new recipes to keep your plate interesting. Exercising will need a time slot in your already-packed schedule. That’s a lot to do!
Don’t get overwhelmed. Be realistic not only about the changes you’re willing and able to make, but when you’re able to make them. Assess what your resolution will take to make, then build an implementation plan rather than trying to change everything at once. If you’re not quite where you want to be on a resolution, now’s a good time to step back and think things through. It’s only January; you still have 11 months to go!
3. Think Positive
When you have a setback, don’t throw in the towel. Instead, think about what you can learn from your mistakes. Actually, that’s a great life philosophy—so apply the same thinking to your New Year’s resolutions. Don’t play the blame game. Let it go and move on. Turn your frustration into motivation to refocus and keep going. After all, it ain’t over until it’s over. And it’s not over until December 31.
4. Share
Talking about your New Year’s resolutions with others, including on social media, makes it more real. And it raises the stakes on achieving your goal. Share your progress, your successes, and your challenges. Ask friends and family for their support and encouragement as well as for their input and ideas. Find an organized support group. Ask someone to be your accountability partner—someone who will check in with you at regular intervals, be honest, and help you stay on track. You’ll be more successful if you don’t go it alone.
5. Get Help
Sometimes we just need a little extra help to achieve our goals. Finding a professional could give you the boost you need to stay committed. Try a few sessions with a personal trainer. Consult with a nutritionist. Take a cooking class. Meet with a life coach. Focused investments could yield big returns on your ability to make your New Year’s resolutions stick.
6. Track
With most goals, you monitor your progress and measure not only where you’ve been but how close you’re getting to the final achievement. Apply the same to your New Year’s resolutions. Make a list and check the boxes. Keep track of your efforts so when you’re having a down day you can look back at how far you’ve come. Celebrate milestones along the way to honor that progress—reward yourself with a simple pat on the back or with something you don’t normally do for yourself, like that deluxe pedicure or a massage.
Let Bodify Help You Fulfill Your New Year’s Resolutions
If you’re like many of us, one of the things you hope to achieve in 2018 is to get the body you’ve always dreamed of. While exercise and nutrition will go a long way in getting you there, sometimes those things aren’t enough. That’s when you need a little help.
Bodify, Phoenix’s premier CoolSculpting boutique, has your back. We want you to be successful, and we have performed thousands of procedures for people just like you. Whether it’s that pesky double chin, a little extra around the middle, or upper arms that more resemble wings than triceps, CoolSculpting can help. Contact us now to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.
