Sticking to It!

by Janice Burdon

January 2006

10 Tips to Sticking to Your New Year's Resolutions For a Healthier You

Ah, yes!  New Year's resolutions!  We all have them.  We all try to attain them.  Some succeed, and some don't.  January, the gyms are full with wide-eyed eager people wanting so desperately to achieve their health goals.  February rolls around and still people are sticking to their goals.  March comes along and, although we want to, we are beginning to slack off... just a little. In April, our good intentions for the New Year seem just a little too difficult to keep.  In May... we give up! 

Why do some people succeed in achieving their goals while others have a more difficult time?  I believe choosing a healthier lifestyle is like going to battle.  It's tough!  There are days when you feel you just can't make it.  Like any battle, you need a plan.  Without a specific plan, how will you expect to win?  From my experience as a fitness instructor and from my own personal experience, I've compiled a list of 10 tips to help you keep on track with your New Year's resolutions.  I encourage you to copy them and stick the list to your fridge.  Applying these tips will strengthen your resolve.

1.  Fit the schedule then the exercise.  So often we see a class and think, "I can do it," but as time goes on we realize our schedule just won't allow us the luxury of taking that specific class. We need to choose a time of day that is foolproof, a time we know we can stick to. No matter how good a class is, if it doesn't fit, it won't work!

2.  Too much too soon.  "I want to take this, this, and this, and then there's this over here."  Whoa!  Hold on!  Take one thing first and stick to it and see how your body reacts before going into too much.  Your body will get run down and tired, causing you to quit.  Focusing on one or two goals is not only more effective but more easily attainable.  It is better than taking on too much and realizing you can't finish any of them.

3.  Be accountable to someone.  Going with someone just might be the motivation you need. Having someone say 'Come on, let's go!' may be the encouragement you need to get started. To be inspired, you need to be around inspiring people. Then you need to become self-motivated, not dependant on that person to continue. 

4.  Choose an activity that motivates you.  It may be a class across town that takes a little longer to get to or is more expensive, but you love it!  Then do it!  Motivation is the greatest key to success.  Find your passion and go for it! 

5.  Try new things.  "But I'm afraid!"  Doing the same old thing all the time will do nothing more than kill your motivation.  Keeping it fun and fresh will add new challenges and that's what we want to keep our motivation high.  So challenge yourself!

6.  Allow yourself some slack.  There are times when sickness, deadlines, or emergencies happen.  Some people feel if they miss a week or two of exercise, they can't go back - they feel guilty or think others will be ahead of them.  Nine times out of ten, people are sympathetic and glad to have you back.  

7.  Be positive!  Be patient!  Don't expect instant results.  Our bodies need time to adjust and it isn't going to happen overnight.  When I was 50 pounds overweight, my goal was one pound a week and it took me a good year and a half to get it off.  No instant results, but a lot of hard work.  Setting realistic goals will help you achieve more in the long run.  Your body is a work in progress and it takes work to progress.  Hang in there regardless of the results and don't forget to listen to your body.

8.  No guilt trips.  "I feel guilty for taking time away from my family to exercise."  You know what?  They are probably happy for you!  You'll be a happier, healthier, less stressed person.  To take care of others, we need to also take care of ourselves.  You're worth it!

9.  Don't compare yourself to others. "I'll never look like her."  Comparing yourself to others causes insecurity, which will lead to discouragement.  Focus on your strengths not your weaknesses.  We all have different body types.  Celebrate yours!

10.  Weight loss = both eathing properly and exercise.  The two go together.  Fad diets without exercise is not a quick fix.  You will end up gaining more weight if you go on extreme diets.  Moderate eating habits along with a good exercise regime (especially weight conditioning) is the safest, most effective way to go.  And you won't be grouchy!

I hope these tips help! 
Hang in there!  Don't give up! 

Strength is not born, it is made... one day at a time.      

 
Janice Burdon is a Can-Fit and McGill Certified fitness instructor