How to make your new year’s goals stick.
As we dive headfirst into another year, the age-old tradition of setting resolutions is back in the limelight. If you're anything like me, you've probably been through the cycle of making bold fitness promises at the beginning of the year only to find them gathering dust by February. In the first ever episode of Rebel Wellness, I’ve shared with you all my strategies on how to make those New Year's resolutions not just stick but transform your life and today I'm here to break it all down for you once more - the nitty-gritty of setting goals, staying committed, and pursuing the kind of changes that make a lasting impact.
My hope is that this post helps you create a roadmap to own your health and crush those fitness goals in the year ahead.
Laying the Groundwork
Embarking on any journey without a solid foundation is like setting sail without a map – you might move, but you risk getting lost. And the importance of laying the groundwork in the world of wellness cannot be overstated; it forms the bedrock upon which transformative and sustainable changes can be built.
By addressing fundamental aspects like sleep, hydration, stress, and health conditions, you set the stage for changes that endure beyond fleeting resolutions. It's not about quick fixes; it's about fostering a lifestyle that stands the test of time.
So, let’s dig into it:
Quality Sleep: Often neglected yet invaluable aspect of this is quality sleep. And I’m not advocating just for sleep but for a sleep sanctuary – a dark room, maintained at an optimal temperature, and adorned with a mattress that cradles you into a restorative slumber. It’s important to remember that sleep is not merely a period of rest but a vital phase where our bodies undergo detoxification, filtering out the day's accumulated stress and fatigue.
Optimal Hydration: Beyond the standard gallon-a-day mantra, I advocate for a personalized approach. Hydration isn't a mere quantity game, we need to listen to what our bodies are telling us, because it's not just about hitting a numeric goal; it's about understanding our own hydration needs.
Stress Reduction: In a world perpetually hustling, stress becomes our constant companion. So, make sure you evaluate your stress levels, recognize when stress becomes a state or, worse, an identity. Stress is not merely a hurdle to overcome but a red flag demanding our attention. Whether it's a high-octane job or the pressures of societal expectations, the call is to actively work towards de-stressing your lifestyle.
Understanding Health Conditions: Knowledge is power. When it comes to your health, this power is derived from an acute awareness of your health conditions. So, do the legwork - do the physical examinations and consider consulting functional medicine or naturopathic professionals. It's all about catching those potential health pitfalls before they morph into challenges.
Discover Your "Why"
If you want those New Year’s resolutions to last, you need to go deeper, you need to find your “why”. This part of your journey is all about going beyond the surface and discovering a reason that genuinely stirs your soul.
It's not just about looking good; it's about finding something that hits you deep in the feels. We're talking about personal, meaningful motivations that make your heart sing. Ever thought about wanting to keep up with your grandkids or sidestep those hereditary health hiccups? These aren't just wishes; they're the kind of fuel that keeps the fire burning.
As you uncover these profound "whys," the goal is to tie your health goals to something that's, well, more you. It's about making your fitness journey a reflection of your values, your story, and the real, messy, beautiful human you are. So, peel back those layers and find a "why" that resonates with the heart and soul of who you are.
Building Your Support System
I've seen time and again that having the right people around you significantly impacts your success. If your partner, friends, or family aren't on board with your health goals, it can make the path ahead feel like an uphill battle.Having at least one person who lifts you up on challenging days is a game-changer. Trust me, when the going gets tough, having that support can be the difference between giving up and pushing through.
But keep in mind that you will also need to have some hard, uncomfortable conversations with your support network. If your significant other is suggesting cocktails, burgers, or ordering pizza when you're dedicated to your health, it's time for a serious conversation. Success in health goals often hinges on having a partner or friend group that mirrors the habits you're striving to implement. It's not about making your journey harder; it's about creating an environment where success is not just achievable but sustainable. And it's not about sugarcoating; it's about setting the stage for your success.
In my experience, when couples or friends embark on this journey together, something magical happens. A community forms, sharing not just the struggles but also the triumphs. If your support system is on the same page, and you maintain clear communication about your needs and boundaries, lasting changes to your health become not just possible but probable.
Realistic Goal Setting and Timelines
Alright, let's break down the final part - setting realistic goals and timelines. Picture this: you've discovered the deep "why" behind your wellness journey, and now it's time to put those goals into action. I get it – we've all been that person who ambitiously declares, "I'll shed 20 pounds in a month!" or "I'm going keto because it worked for everyone on Instagram."
But here's the reality check – without laying the foundations first, like the quality sleep, hydration, and stress reduction we talked about earlier, following fad diets or aggressive lifestyle changes often leads to burnout. I've seen it, and I'm not here to talk you out of your choices but to see if they truly stick.
Setting realistic goals and timelines involves understanding your body's unique needs and creating sustainable changes. Crash diets might show quick progress, but they rarely keep the weight off long-term. For example, if you're a new mom planning to get her pre-baby body back, you need to know that your body needs time for nourishment and rest. Rapid transformations often lead to stress and might not be the healthiest approach. If you’re a bride-to-be, planning your wedding, starving yourself for photos is not the solution.
So, I encourage you to focus on health and confidence rather than conforming to unrealistic standards. Because, in the grand scheme, it's about creating lasting changes, not quick fixes. Let's aim for a healthy, balanced approach that respects your body and your goals. That's the path to a wellness journey that sticks.
