I get it. It’s the new year and yes! Finally a reason to lock into some new routines. I love that. I’ve been there. However, the clock’s midnight strike is not turning your glass slippers into sneakers. Whether fortunately or not, you are still YOU on the first of January. What I’d like to suggest are some tips to make incremental changes for lasting impact. A quick fix won’t work. If you want a lifestyle change, it’s going to be a long road. The best part is, the road is shorter since you’ve decided to take the first step.
#1 Seek Accountability
Perhaps you have a friend or partner who shares your resolution. It could be someone who already commits to a 6am gym start or always walks after dinner. If you have the funds, an online coach (or a real person, preferably) can also act as an accountability partner. Here are three levels of obligation that you can decide on for what suits your lifestyle. Do you want someone who is going to struggle alongside you as you forge ahead into the unknown? Grab a newbie buddy. Do you want someone to guilt you out of bed in the morning as they giddily pull on their gym-shark tank? Choose a gym addict. Do you want a personalized exercise plan and diet tailored to your needs? Pay for a coach. The key here is don’t go it alone. It’s less sustainable and much less fun.
#2 Make It Stupid Easy
I have a favorite online coach (@bethanyydobson) who likes to say that she built a life of habits that were so easy, it was hard NOT to do them. For example, meal prep. If you take some time to prepare your meals, then throwing food in the microwave becomes insanely easy. She has a cookbook and online recipes that are quick and high in protein (for your new muscular growth journey). Trash the snacks. Replace them with food that will keep you full. Save money and time. While you’re at it, lay out your clothes the night before a gym day. Fill up your water bottle and set it with your keys. Don’t make things harder for yourself.
#3 Perfection Is Not The Goal
I’ll say it louder for the people in the back – you’re not perfect! I definitely am not. Neither are the people you see online, the neighbor who has actual abs, or even the coach you may seek out to train you. They are not perfect, so how are they successful? They are consistent. So your goal is to take the stairs instead of the elevator every day at work. One day you’re tired and bam! your finger is pressing the UP button and before you know it, you’ve ridden 5 floors and your stomach is churning with guilt. Take a deep breath. It’s going to be okay. You may decide to even take the elevator back down that day. What you don’t do is sabotage yourself. What you can do is try again the next day, guilt-free. Some days are better than others. Take it one day at a time. That may look like just going to the gym to people watch. At least you made it in the doors. Perhaps the next time you’ll pick up a free weight or step on an elliptical.
I hope these tips help to incentivize you this year. I’m sure you already have the moisture-wicking shorts and the hydroflask you requested for Christmas. So get to it!