At one time or another, many of us have set a New Year’s Resolution regarding exercise or weight loss. If you walk into a fitness center in January, there is usually an influx of people who have resolved to “get in better shape” or “lose some weight” in the New Year.
By the time March rolls around, however, many individuals’ resolutions have fallen by the wayside and census in fitness centers return to usual levels. The following are some tips to put some more resolve into your resolutions by re-thinking of them as goals.
1. Set realistic, specific, and measurable goals with a target date.
Examples: I’m going to lose 10 pounds by July 1 or I am going to exercise for at least 30 minutes three times per week.
2. Assess any roadblocks or barriers to achieving your goals
Time? Support? Motivation?
3. Create a plan of action
Examples: Schedule exercise like an appointment and keep that appointment. Line up friends or family to exercise or lose weight with you to make it more fun and to provide moral support. Keep an exercise and/or food log to hold yourself more accountable for your actions.
4. Stick with your new (or improved) healthy habits!
As you meet or make progress towards your goals, reward yourself. If you slip up, don’t give up, just get it going again.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Best wishes for success in a healthier and happier 2013!
About the Author
Julie W. Allen is an Exercise Physiologist with our Preferred Partner University Hospitals, offering employers significant savings on Executive Health Physicals and Corporate Wellness services. Find out what UH can do for your organization by clicking here!
