Let’s talk New Year resolutions.

Everyone is familiar with them. Empty promises we make to ourselves that end up being forgotten about after the craziness of the New Year begins to settles down. We tend to fall back into the same ol’ routines we had the year before because, well, that is where we are comfortable. New gym memberships will be purchased and only used a handful of times. New clothing will be bought in hopes of motivating one’s self to be more active. There are hundreds of different scenarios I could talk about.

But what if all of this isn’t just a “lather, rinse, and repeat” type of situation? What if you actually stuck to your New Year’s Resolution?

Here are 5 tips to help keep you on track once the New Year shenanigans wears off:

1. Set small goals:

• When it comes to fitness specifically, we have a significant habit of setting large goals. Now while this, for the most part, can be a good thing, it can have its downfalls as well. Specifically the fact that even if we are making significant progress, our key fitness goal is still likely to seem an eternity away.

• This is why we should try and break up our primary goal into smaller, short term goals that are much more easily obtained. This is a simple way to keep track of the progress we are making on a weekly basis, which will do wonders for our motivation.

  • For example, we might have a primary gosl to lose 20 pounds.

    • Our first goal could be to eliminate liquid calories from our diet.

    • The second, to make it to the gym at least 3 times per week for the month of January.

    • The third is to lose my first 5 pounds.

  • In doing so we can set realistic goals that actually lead to healthy lifestyle changes– all of which will act as a step towards achieving our larger goal.

2. Commit to a new exercise routine:

• One of the best ways to improve motivation is to start a new workout program. There is something seriously enjoyable about stressing the body in new ways, using new exercises, and trialing a completely new routine.

• With this in mind, it is important that we start an exercise program that is actually suitable to our individual needs/goals

3. Get social:

• Coming into the New Year, a sure-fire way to maximize motivation is to find a buddy who has similar goals to you. Whether it’s another parent who has similar time commitments or someone from work.

• The key is to find someone that you can commit to exercising with at least three days per week.

• Not only does this keep you accountable, but having someone to push you along does absolute wonders for motivation.

4. Share your goals:

• Often when we settle on a fitness goal, we have a nasty habit of keeping it quiet – as if we are nervous or embarrassed about what people will think of it.

• While this might be an “OK” way to protect ourselves from disappointment if we don’t achieve our goal (because if you don’t achieve it no one will know that you failed). This is not a good way to go about it.

• In fact, I strongly believe that we should tell our friends and family what our goals are and how we plan on achieving them. This in return can help with accountability for you and possibly that loved one as well.

5. Invest in some new gear:

• Yes, I understand this sounds a little vein, but hear me out for a second.

• Buying a new piece of training equipment is a great way to get yourself excited to get back into exercise. This can actually improve motivation in a HUGE way.

• And when I say training equipment, it could be anything. A new watch with a GPS tracker, some new gym clothes, running sneakers, or even a new jump rope – it doesn’t really matter – as long as it gets you excited to use it, it is a great option.

Lets make this year unlike any before!! Remember, YOU GOT THIS!!!!