How are those goals coming along? Are you feeling frustrated that you might not be progressing as quickly as you would like, only to be frustrated when warm weather rolls around? It’s easy to stop trying and go back to old routines, but when the mercury starts climbing, and those goals you set for yourself in January seem not so long ago we begin to ask ourselves, “If only I had started sooner!”
The best way to protect yourself from a regret-filled spring is to set a deadline and start now. Yep, right now. Deadlines are powerful motivators. Without a deadline, you really have no set-point toward which to work. You have nothing to pushing you and we need to be pushed. Deadlines create a sense of urgency. They help you position yourself to succeed, because that final date is always staring back at you. It forces you to prioritize and strategize. Otherwise, you will let things slide, you will keep putting off the workout or healthy food choices, and insisting that tomorrow you will start eating better. Without a deadline, tomorrow never comes. If you keep doing what you have always done, you will get the results you have always gotten. It’s time to do something different. Ask yourself this question: If I keep doing what I am doing right now, will I achieve what I want to achieve? If you answered no, then it’s time for a change. Go get your calendar out and decide when you want to see your first wave of results. Be realistic and make sure you give yourself time to really dig in and see changes happen. But challenge yourself, too — make it a little tough so you can take full advantage of the power of urgency. If you have tried that before, then a deadline may not be enough. Why? Because you may be tempted to move it. Deadlines are not supposed to be moving targets. The best way to prevent deadline-creep is to get competitive. Entering into a competition or contest is a sure way to give you the edge you need to keep yourself on track and finish strong. There is something very motivating about competing with others. Just knowing that your effort and results are going to be measured alongside others really will give you an extra boost in motivation. This is a time when a little peer pressure can be helpful. And you will find that those with whom you are in competition will also be your biggest cheerleaders. They know exactly what you are going through and will be there to encourage you to keep moving. Deadlines and contests form the perfect combination to assist with your health success so put them to work for you. Spring is close enough to give you a push, but still far enough away to ensure that you have enough time to get some serious work done. Plan now to greet spring and warmer weather with no regrets. Want to do this? Join my February Healthy Living Challenge. You do not have to be a training client to join in. Everyone is welcome!
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Happy 2016. The first week of the new year is a time for resetting your mind and body. You have a clean slate to work with. Don’t worry about the past, focus on the now and future.
Last week, I discussed resolutions and refocusing on a smaller more attainable goal that will ebb and flow with your life. Let’s re-assess how your week went. Did your goal seem to fit into your day to day routine or not? If it fit well and you were able to adjust accordingly to life’s challenges then keep up the good work. If not, then let’s go back to the drawing board. What needs to change or be more flexible in order for success to happen? Perhaps this goal is still a good one, but you’re overthinking it and stopping yourself with negative thoughts. Take a moment right now in the middle of this column to stop and jot down on paper, phone, or computer anything that comes to mind, positive and negative. It might even make you feel relieved to have it out of your head. Now that you had a week to test a few things out, you might have come up with a few questions or researched a few topics about fitness, healthy eating, or even purchased a new product or two to assist in this new habit you have committed to. Besides executing the plan you have made for yourself, now what should you do to keep on moving forward. Ask a friend or family member to join you. Support is huge! Having another person to chat with, hang with, and even be active with can be a factor that contributes to success and enjoyment. You are going to have ups and downs, guaranteed. Find someone or a few people that you can use for support. We are not perfect at everything we do the first time. Having a solid base to come to for support during those rough patches can be the difference between quitting and persevering. Start a journal. Do not over think this one. Journaling can provide a great escape, support system, and feedback tool for everybody. You can write whatever you want, maybe it is more emotional, a spot to empty all the to-dos that are stuck up in your head, or a place to write your daily activity and progressions you have made. Use it as a way to start fresh every night, morning, or mid-day. You may be surprised at how useful little changes and additions will become once you start utilizing them. Remember that you are not alone in pursuing a goal. Goals may be different from person to person but with support, reflection, and positive thought you can achieve anything. |
This is me, Liz. I am an, instructor, personal trainer, exercise physiologist, dog-mom, loving wife, little sister, coolest-aunt ever, and now blogger living in Libby, Montana.
Welcome to my blog! This blog follows my life and my interests in fitness, adventure, food, and healthy living. The Girls, Katy & Madi, and I. We have spent a lot of time together the past few years. I appreciate them for their quirks and how they love me unconditionally. They help me appreciate the small, simple things in life. Archives
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DiclaimerThis is a personal blog created and maintained by Liz Whalen. My blog posts document my life and sometimes highlight the food I eat and workouts I perform. I do not have professional medical training, nor am I a registered dietician. I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, while the content you see on my blog aims to bring you along on my health & wellness journey. The published information may not be right for you and should not be viewed as guidelines in any way. Seek counsel from a medical doctor when looking to incorporate or change your physical activity and/or dietary habits.
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