When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, try to keep in mind that making those plans and goals as specific as possible will help with following through. So many of us come up with general wants and wishes such as:
I want to lose weight.
I wish to be more active.
I want to eat better.
It is a common mistake to make the resolutions too big and too much to change at one time:
I am going to go to the gym every day.
I am going to start eating healthier.
These goals are too broad and too much to change all at once. Gyms and fitness centres are jam packed with people in January and February and then look like a deserted wasteland by March. When it comes to eating healthier, we tend to go with the all or nothing mindset so one setback can often send everything off the rails. Sound familiar?
Instead of setting such lofty general goals that are setting us up for failure, think about making your goals specific. This will give you a better chance of success and sustainability. A good example is:
I will go for a walk on my lunch hour for 15 minutes three days per week.
In the winter months, dress properly for walking outdoors. Walk in the stairwells or hallways if the weather does not permit, that is better than nothing! When meeting a friend at the mall, plan to walk for 15 minutes at a brisk pace before you do your shopping. There are multiple ways to get those 15 minutes in, even in our harsh Canadian winters.
Another specific goal is to join an exercise class one or two days a week. Signing up for a registered class for a pre-determined number of weeks is often a good way to stay motivated. Knowing there is an end date and having paid for the class upfront can is often enough motivation to keep you going. Schedule your day around this class and plan ahead.
Almost all of us want to be healthier, be more active and lose weight but those are all end results of what may come from making lifestyle changes with setting more specific goals and sticking with those changes.
Corinne Cutler is the Exercise Specialist at the LBD PCN.
