New Year’s resolutions are stress inducing for many people. Once the New Year hits everybody feels the pressure to set resolutions; many times, fitness and exercise related resolutions. However, most resolutions only last a few weeks. There are ways to reduce your chances of failing at your resolution.
When picking a resolution, especially a fitness and exercise related resolution, make sure to only set one goal. Setting multiple goals all at once adds to much pressure and too much change at one time is hard to maintain. Pick a goal, write it down, and make sure it’s realistic. Setting a goal to run 5 miles every day when you haven’t ran in years probably isn’t realistic and will be frustrating for you if it doesn’t come easily.
Instead, set time limits on smaller resolutions. For example, say you do want to run 5 miles at a time. Start smaller; set a goal/resolution to run 1 mile by the January 31st. Then work your way up mile by mile. Click here for a plan to help increase your running abilities.
Merely want to increase the amount of exercise you get? Don’t just say “I’m going to exercise more this year.” It’s not concrete or specific enough. Choose specific days, times of day, and what form of exercise you are going to do. Write it on a calendar so you see exactly what you are doing to keep your resolution. For example: Walk on treadmill for 2 miles on Monday before work, attend yoga class on Wednesday after work, and complete workout video of your choice on Friday before work.
Stick to one resolution, make it concrete by writing it down, set a time limit, and make the goal attainable and sticking to that New Year’s resolution will be easier than ever!
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