January is a time when many of us feel called to commit (or re-commit!) to our health and wellness. You might sign up for a new gym membership, start a new diet, or add something new to your daily routine.
You might feel super motivated for a few days (or weeks) – but how can you avoid the February downfall, when many of those New Year Resolutions fall by the wayside?
We thought we would share some tips and strategies to set yourself up for success!
1. Focus on 1-2 Goals
The best way to set yourself up for success is to pick 1 or 2 small changes or goals to focus on in January, rather than trying to overhaul your entire routine.
Change is hard and it takes time to establish a new habit. If you overcommit yourself to too many changes at once, it will make it harder to stick with your goals.
2. Small changes are better (and be specific!)
Similarly, it is easier to start small and focus on changes that are easy to achieve. So – if you want to improve your fitness or start working out, instead of telling yourself you will workout for an hour 3 times a week, try starting with just 15 minutes.
Even better – be as specific as possible. What days and times will you workout? What do you need in order to help you establish this new habit? Will you set an alarm on your phone? Put it in your calendar? Tell family and friends?
When you are too vague with your goals, it is easier to put them off.
Once you have been successful for a few weeks, you can slowly build your way up! Starting small with realistic (and specific) goals will increase your chance of success and, when you are successful – this will increase your motivation to continue!
3. Plan for Hard Days
It is important to be realistic with your new goals. Life is always going to throw you a curve ball – days when you are tired, stressed, or when things change: someone gets sick or you get a new job.
It is important to plan ahead for those tough days. How can you adjust your goals and what is your back up plan?
Rather than shaming or blaming yourself, accept that tough days are simply part of the journey. And don’t be afraid to…
4. Ask for help!
Change is hard and even harder to do it alone! The best thing that you can do to set yourself up for success is to ask for help.
Try seeing if a friend or family member wants to get on board with your new habits – so that you can commit to doing it together! Or ask a professional for support and extra accountability.
At Stone Tree, this is why we offer both 1:1 sessions and a free orientation session for all of our members. We want to see you succeed and it is easier to check in when we know what your goals are for 2025.
What are your health and wellness goals for 2025? We would love to hear from you!
And if you would like us to be part of your health and wellness journey, email fitness @ stonetree.ca or click here to find out more about the Stone Tree Fitness Club. We have weekly classes, pop-up workshops, and monthly memberships to suit every budget!
