Why is maintaining New Year’s resolutions so damn hard? Researchers have ID’d several culprits, such as setting a goal that’s too vague (“I’m going to get healthy” –what does that even mean?) or unrealistic (“I’m going to lose 10 pounds a month” – really?). But perhaps the biggest challenge is turning your wishes into immediate action, and sticking to it.
Try using some of these tips from Health Magazine, so you beat the odds (only about 40% of resolutioners stick with it after six months) and stay on track.
Be Prepared. Do things like prepare and take healthy lunches with you to work, and eating before you head to the party. It will be easier to avoid pitfalls if you plan ahead. Know that that afternoon craving time is coming and have your healthy snacks at the ready.
What’s Your Motivation? Figure out the reasons why you are doing this, and post them on your fridge. Repeat them like mantras when you’re walking through the buffet.
Turn negatives into positives. Instead of focusing on what you can’t have, focus on what you can. Thinking about putting more fruits and veggies on your plate rather than saying, “oh, I can’t have that,” makes every meal a more positive, successful experience.
Clean out your kitchen. If your pantry is a minefield of sugar, salt and fat, dump it all in the trash can. Fill it instead with things like air-popped popcorn, and whole grain, high fiber snacks. Stock your fridge with baby carrots, fresh berries and apple slices.
Get specific. Instead of a vague goal like, “I’m going to be healthier this year,” break it down. What does it really look like? Perhaps break it up into weekly chunks. “I’m going to go to kickboxing class three times this week.” Then plan it. Check the class times. Write them in your calendar. And stick to it, like you would any important appointment.
Change your mindset. People who are successful at making lifestyle changes, view them as exactly that. If you’re thinking of your resolution as a short-term fix, like a crash diet you do for the next 30 days, you’ll end up on that yo-yo train. You are eating healthy and being fit, period. Forget last year. Forget the past. This is your future, and it starts now.
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