It’s the middle of January—do you know where your motivation went? If you’re like the majority of people who made some serious resolutions on New Year’s, but failed to keep the motivation going, you’re not alone. In fact, according to a recent study, only 8 percent successfully keep their resolutions…8 percent! Because of that, we’ve compiled a list of easy ways to up the ante on your fitness goals, and ensure you’ll reach them in no time at all!
Set Short Term Goals
You can’t reach any goal you set without the proper motivation. So, where does motivation come from? From progress—and consistent progress at that. If your goals are too long term, meaning that (realistically) they will take more than a few weeks to achieve, you can lose momentum. However, when you set short term goals—that is, one small mini-goal a week—then you’ll never lose steam, because you’re constantly making progress.
Take Your Resolutions to Facebook
We aren’t talking about checking your newsfeed or adding updates several times an hour, here. And, as you probably already know, too much social media is never a good thing. But, a little bit of social media can do your resolutions good. Notify your Facebook friends about your biggest goal that you’re actively working on. It could be to lose ten pounds, or to cut out processed foods from your diet. But whatever it may be, your Facebook community can help hold you accountable, and cheer you on through your progress.
Grab a Buddy
Is there a greater chance that you’ll work out day after day by yourself, or with a buddy? If you need some extra help sticking out the entire boot camp class, braving the weight room or simply getting off your couch and into the gym altogether, grab a buddy for motivation, encouragement and support.
Reward Yourself Weekly
As you work on making weekly progress, one of the best and sure-fire ways to continue achieving goals is by giving yourself a weekly reward. It doesn’t have to be anything big, as long as it’s a ‘treat’ for sticking to your New Year’s resolutions. For example, allow yourself a latte every Friday morning (for hitting the gym four times this week), or give yourself a ten minute foot massage at the mall. When it comes to motivation, a little bit goes a long way!
Constantly Raise the Bar
Even when you achieve your new year’s resolutions, it’s not difficult to become stagnant. Keep upping the ‘fitness’ bar, by trying out a new (but challenging) cardio or strength building class, or learn a new way of conditioning (such as Cross Fit). By continuously giving yourself a new fitness or health related challenge every month (or every few months), you’ll continuously achieve a body and mind that is healthy, wealthy and wise.
