Are you tired of setting New Year’s resolutions only to abandon them a few months later? Do you find yourself constantly starting over with your health and fitness goals? It’s time to break the cycle and embrace a new approach – a lifestyle change.
As a Personal Trainer, year in and year out, I see many clients start the New Year with great mindsets and great motivation. Shortly after that has worn off, they return to their past habits. So, today we will be discussing the difference between the two.
My goal for this is to have everyone that reads this set goals for a lifestyle change NOW; you don’t need to wait for Monday to start hitting your goals. You don’t have to wait for the new year to start a healthier way of living. You are able to start in this very moment! One thing that I always tell my clients, don’t wait! Don’t wait for another day to pass, to start into a good routine. One that will last a lifetime. It’s not only going to benefit your present life, but it will benefit your later down the road.
New Year’s Resolutions and why do they fail?
New Year’s resolutions often start with great motivation and determination. However, as time goes by, that initial spark dwindles, and we find ourselves slipping back into old habits. Why does this happen? One reason is that resolutions tend to be grand plans that require drastic changes overnight. For example, going from a sedentary lifestyle to committing to intense daily workouts or switching from fast food to a strict clean-eating regimen. While these goals may seem enticing, they are often unsustainable in the long run.
To me…new years resolutions are another diet trend but instead of being eating habits, it’s your life. You may set out to accomplish so many new things in this next year but a couple months into your journey, you loose the motivation that you started with.
Motivation is not easy to have 24/7, I completely get it.
The Importance of Motivation and Mindset
Motivation plays a crucial role in achieving any goal, including health and fitness. However, relying solely on motivation can be a slippery slope.
We can’t expect to stay motivated 24/7, but we can cultivate a positive mindset and remind ourselves of why we started our journey in the first place.
One effective strategy is keeping visual reminders of our goals, such as writing them down and placing them in prominent areas like our office, mirror, or refrigerator. I am always reminded of the reasons why I am doing something. I have them written in my office, on my mirror, on the refrigerator. For me, constantly seeing the reasons why I should stick to my routine are truly motivating factors right there. I remember why I started my journey in the first place.
Additionally, journaling can provide a judgment-free space to reflect on our progress, express our feelings, and gain clarity on our journey. A big reason why I never let myself slump back into my old habits is due to journaling. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t always journal. I’m also not always on track or centered when I don’t journal.
Being a woman it is important to me to get my thoughts out and into the world and a journal does just that, for me. I am able to have a judge-free few minutes where I can either reflect on something that has occurred or just simply express my feelings that I had been feeling throughout the day. I do have a husband that I bounce things off of quite often but I feel that emotionally, men are just wired very differently from women.
Breaking Away from the Crowd
While setting New Year’s resolutions may be a trend, it doesn’t mean it’s the best approach for everyone. I use to be in the trend of setting New Year’s Resolutions so I have been a part of the crowd. I saw the same patterns in my clients in my day-to-day. Following the crowd is not always the best idea. Personally, I want to be set apart from the crowd and stand for something.
I am not saying setting New Year’s Resolutions is wrong. I am just stating that it does not work for me. I enjoy making healthy habits out of the things in my life, and if it’s not going to stick around in my life then I don’t bother including it in my life now.
Embracing Lifestyle Changes: The Path to Long-Term Success
This is what I’m talking about; starting right now, make a change in this moment. A change that is going to benefit you for the long haul. My clients know that to make a habit of things, you can’t “bite off too much”…meaning I don’t want you to switch from fast food eating to clean eating overnight.
By making small, incremental adjustments to our daily routines, we can create habits that contribute to our overall health and well-being. As a personal trainer, I guide my clients through this transformative journey, ensuring they take manageable steps towards their goals. We are able to take each baby step together so you are able to successfully make it a habit in your life. Not only do my clients succeed, I am able to succeed as well.
One of my passions in life is teaching others the things that I have learned, especially when it comes to health & fitness.
Start Now, Not Later
You don’t need to wait for a specific day or time to start making positive changes in your life. Don’t wait till Monday!!!!
For example: Today, as I write this, is Friday. I had one client ask me if her nutrition planning would be able to start on Monday because that’s the beginning of her week. You best believe that I asked her right back, “Are you able to start today, for dinner?” I am able to give her numerous options for dinner plans. Her reply was, “Actually you know what, that’s a great idea!”
Cease the moments that you do have, to make a change. We never know when they will pass and we can’t repeat this time that we have. Start with your next meal and make healthier choices that align with your long-term goals.
Mindset Shift for Lasting Change
Is this a mindset change? ABSOLUTELY!!!! Mindset is everything when it comes to habit changing. Mindset plays a pivotal role in adopting and maintaining lifestyle changes. Shifting your perspective from short-term fixes to long-term habits is essential. Instead of viewing your journey as a temporary phase, embrace it as a lifestyle shift. This mindset allows you to focus on sustainable changes that will benefit you and your family in the long run.
If you are always going into new situations with a negative mindset about it, more than likely, it will fail. Really opening your thought process and understanding others perspective and experience when it comes to new habits is huge. There are so many individuals out there that have been in your shoes, experienced what you are experiencing, feeling similar to what you are feeling. Receiving advice is huge. I do want to say, taking all the advice, may not benefit you but definitely being open and hearing them out is very important.
Finding Balance and Flexibility
While lifestyle changes require dedication and consistency, it’s also crucial to find balance and flexibility. Allowing yourself occasional indulgences and accepting that perfection is not the goal can prevent feelings of deprivation and burnout. It’s about finding a sustainable approach that allows for enjoyment while still prioritizing your health and wellness. Remember, life is a journey, and it’s essential to be kind to yourself along the way.
As we wrap up, I encourage you to reflect on the changes you can make right now to support your health and wellness. Whether it’s incorporating daily exercise, making healthier food choices, or prioritizing self-care, every step counts. This is about embracing a lifestyle that promotes overall well-being for yourself and your family. And as a coach, I am here to coach you and figure out a solution if you need help with a plan.
So, let’s take this moment to commit to making lasting changes that will propel us towards a healthier, happier future.
