The New Year is fast approaching. Do you have a few goals in mind as you countdown to the impending stroke of midnight? Great! Everyone should have a goal and something to look forward to.
Unfortunately, only 8 percent of News Resolution setters actually reach or attain their goal. 2016 was a bit rough for most of us so let's not let 2017 follow suit.
"Get Fit"
This resolution is vague and can mean so many different things to each individual.
"I'm going to start the ____ diet"
Ok babes, Katie's gonna keep it really real here. Diets. (clap) Don't. (clap) Work. (clap)
Starting a new diet, especially a fad diet, is a fantastic way to set yourself up for failure. Your nutrition goals should not have an expiration date.
"I'm quitting carbs/fat/sugar/whatever-you-think-is-making-you-overweight-or-unhealthy cold turkey"
Save yourself the trouble of falling flat on your face with this one. Stopping cold turkey works for some people, but very rarely does it stick. Try weaning yourself off of the things that don't make you feel your best. It's a journey, not a sprint! Also... let me step onto my soap box for like two seconds and remind you that carbs and fat are not public enemy #1.
Resolution Solution: Set a S.M.A.R.T. Fitness Goal: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-focused, and Time-bound. Set a specific fitness goal (increase my one rep max weight, lose X amount of body fat, decrease my one mile time, etc.). This goal should also be measurable so you can track your progress to stay motivated. OK, here's the one everyone gets stuck on. Attainable. "I'm going to lose 20lbs this month" is not attainable (nor is it healthy) for most people. Your goals should also measure the outcome rather than the activity. Having a results-focused goal will help you keep your eye on the prize and not beat yourself up over the small missteps on your way to that goal. Lastly, what's a goal without a time frame? Without a time-bound goal in mind, there is no sense of urgency to get the job done.
2016 may have been a doozy, but there's a fresh 365 ahead of us. Let's create the year we've always wanted and deserve.
Cheers,
Katie