I’m sure we’ve all heard the saying “New Year New You.” Resolutions are made with high hopes in January and oftentimes, by March, these resolutions are long abandoned. If you made resolutions, or goals you are determined to keep this year, keep reading for 3 tips to help you reach your goals!
Setting unrealistic goals is almost setting yourself up for failure. Be honest with yourself!
For example, if you want to start exercising (a goal for many people) but do not exercise at all now, saying that you are going to start exercising for an hour a day, 6 days a week is unrealistic. Instead, start with something manageable and build off it.
Try this instead: Exercise for one hour 2 days a week in January.
Once this is achieved, up your commitment: Exercise for one hour 3 days a week in February.
By setting up your goal like this, you are much more likely to stay consistent with workouts, and will eventually reach your big goal of 6 one hour workouts per week.
Having an accountability partner can make all the difference. Once you’ve set your realistic goal (or goals), tell someone about it! I believe it is best to tell someone you see frequently, whether it be a co-worker, a close friend, a spouse, or a family member. Make sure they check in with you on your goal progress, and you do the same to help support them!
Life can get busy, but don’t let that get in your way. Achieving your goal is going to require planning ahead. Before your week gets started take a few minutes and decide when you’re going to work toward your goal. Maybe Monday and Thursday evenings are going to be your workout days for January – block out this time on your calendar so you won’t schedule anything else in place of it. Even though this is a “meeting” with yourself, take it seriously! Treat this as you would a meeting with someone else; show up on time and work hard.
If your health is top priority for 2020, let HJPT help you get started. All of our 15 offices offer free consultations to see how physical therapy can improve your health and wellness. Find the location closest to you!
Madeline Mihaly
1/7/2020