Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions Past January!

Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions Past January!

Congratulations! You have just completed the first month of your New Year’s Resolutions. Now that January is over, how do you maintain your success moving forward? How do you hold yourself accountable for you goals? 

Continue reading for tips on how to turn your resolutions into habits!

Tip #1: Practice!

On average, it takes 66 days to form a habit. That’s TWO months of incorporating your resolution into your daily routine to make it into a habit. Think of the things you do every morning after waking up. For example: You wash your face, make coffee, brush your teeth, then head out for the day. These things have become so engrained in your daily routine that you don’t even have to consciously think of doing them. What is it that made these tasks into unconscious habits? PRACTICE! At the beginning of your journey, you’ll have to consciously make an effort to act in line with your resolutions, but after a few months, these behaviours will become second nature. If you feel like giving up, keep pushing through - you’re on the right track to success!

Tip #2: Recognize your Progress

No matter how big or small your goals are, it’s important to recognize the steps you’ve taken to achieve them. Try writing down small steps that you can take every day to achieve your ultimate goal. Whether it’s going to bed earlier at night, getting off one subway stop earlier so you can walk a few extra blocks, or packing a healthy lunch at work one day, every step is progress in the right direction. Documenting smaller goals towards your ultimate target is a great way to recognize your progress! Recognize when you’ve taken steps towards your goal, and celebrate these accomplishments!

Tip #3:  Accountability

Writing down your goals is a great way to hold yourself accountable. Try this trick: Take a piece of paper and write down each of your goals, then write when you want to reach them by. Tape this piece of paper somewhere you’ll see them every day. Frequently re-reading your goals will provide you with a reminder of what you're aspiring to do, and motivate you to continue! The more you read your goals and tell yourself that you will succeed, the more likely this will become! Another way to hold yourself accountable is by telling a friend or family member about your goals. You can even commit to a goal with a friend! Working towards goals with another person can increase your motivation to achieve them, and it's a fun way to to so!

Tip #4:  Support

Talking to family and friends about your goals is not only great for accountability, but it also provides an avenue for support. On the road to success, there are always barriers and hurdles to overcome, so a strong support system can ease this process. Depending on your goal, joining a support group can also be a great help! Be kind to yourself if you hit a roadblock, or if things aren’t going as quickly as you’d hoped. Achieving goals is a process, and overcoming barriers is part of the journey!

Written by: Niko Mullings, Strength and Conditioning Specialist 

Instagram: @nikomullings

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