NO RESOLUTIONS THIS YEAR!

This Year your New Year’s resolution should be to “NOT set a New Year’s resolution.” Yes, you read that correctly.

Did you know, 80% of people do NOT keep their New Year’s resolutions and generally lose their steam by the end of February? The other 20% of the population sticks with it but WHY? Are they a superhero? Have better genetics? Secret supplements?

NO – NO and NO! Their success started with not setting resolutions, high expectations or super imposed goals or deadlines on themselves so they didn’t burn out. Unfortunately, bad habits and life changes don’t happen overnight or with the change of the calendar. As good of a multi-tasker you may be, your wellness routine should start gradually, patiently and with ease. YOU CAN’T DO EVERYTHING ALL AT ONCE! The key to your success is to implement little changes and take baby steps.

Many people have big wellness goals or multiple things they’d like to change or incorporate into their daily lives and that’s great. However, if you’ve been sedentary or your fitness routine lacks luster, how do you expect to jump into routine overnight? Think it through, you don’t want to burn out and give up. Your goals should be SMART:

Below are some great tips to get your started:

· Think BIG/Start small: Implement 1 or 2 little changes to start (e.g., drink water daily, walk ½ mile per day, etc.) As it becomes consistent, add another thing.

· Recruit a friend: Maybe grab a friend, work buddy or family member and get moving. Having someone to do the work with you, provides you both with motivation, inspiration and adds a little fun to routine.

· Don’t be hard on yourself: We all have those days and if “that day” stops you in your tracks and you miss your workout, ate a pint of ice cream – don’t beat yourself up. Make your next choice a better one. Again, everyday is new day to make better choices.

· Put it in your calendar: Make an appointment with yourself, put it on your calendar then stick to it. The more you do – the more routine it become.

· Track your progress: Using a fitness app or keeping journal, helps you to monitor your progress over time and helps you to identify where you may be lacking or slacking in some cases.

· Select workouts you like (to start) Pick workouts you like to do. If you’re a bike rider, runner or dancer; start with workouts that are built out around those things. This will help you

create some consistency. After all, if you like what you’re doing – you’ll actually do it!

· Have a back-up plan: Always plan a back-up work out. For instance, if you intended on

taking a jog and you wake up to a blizzard or monsoon, what’s your back-up plan?

· Be prepared: Not just physically but mentally, move with purpose and intention towards your goal and apply it workouts. Know what you want to achieve and get from your workout before you even head to the gym or into your space.

· CELEBRATE! Celebrate your milestones, goals and successes during your journey! Small recognitions will create lasting momentum.