Undoubtedly you have found yourself at the beginning of the New Year with ideas of grandeur surrounding your current fitness needs. We too easily waste sporadic, unplanned bursts of energy aimed at the enigma of finding our better self, without really understanding what that means. This can cause our motivation to sputter out before any real change occurs.  Before jumping onto the New Year’s band wagon of resolution fizzle, find out first, what a fitness goal means to you, and how important it is. You will not be motivated to continue something that does not bring value to your life. Fitness goals mean different things to each of us. I would like to suggest some tips that may assist you in keeping your goal throughout the year.  

Your best chance for keeping a resolution is to choose one that is very specific and measurable, such as a sporting event/race you have been considering for a while, or a weight loss goal. If your goal is something less tangible, while also being valuable, such as being healthy of body and mind, or to experience the satisfaction of feeling good inside and out, is that achievable?  How about something even more vague, such as, “I want to look good.” I would argue that as our goals become less specific, they are also harder to define and achieve.  Looking good could mean different things to different people.  I lean towards the mindset of healthy living equates to healthy or “good,” mind/body.  Taking care of ourselves as a complete package while finding balance in all aspects of our life, should be at the foundation of our fitness goals, but without finding focus for our motivation, discipline may waver.

Once you choose your resolution, write it down and say it back to yourself a few times. Take the time to absorb what this will mean to you when you achieve it. I would suggest placing this written goal nearby your bed so that you can see it each day you wake up. Practice holding yourself accountable for this goal. Make a plan that you know you will be able to follow and lock down on your schedule. We are more apt to do a task that we have set aside the time for. If all we know is that we need to move more, the choices of movement could seem overwhelming without guidance or direction. It takes different levels of discipline, drive, and passion to meet the standard of healthy living in a society that bombards us with fast food, cheap beer, and sedentary lifestyles. 

Do not be afraid to think outside the box if you wish to incorporate a balanced healthy goal into your life. When we discover the joy in a specific type of movement, it can become easier to plan a fitness goal around physical things we already know we enjoy.  For example, if you really delight in walking and spending time with your dog, consider brisker walks that are timed and become both longer, and more physically vigorous over time. Your end goal may be to hike a specific trail with your dog in an allotted amount of time. While working towards this goal, you can have happy little successes along the way. Setting smaller goals during this time allows us to live and celebrate forward momentum. Keep in mind, if you skip a day, try not to beat yourself up too much, instead, enjoy the rest, and prepare to jump right back in the following day. Focus on your feelings after you complete a work out/training session. It is easier to stay motivated on goals if we recall the happy feels the workout delivers when that alarm chirps in the pre-dawn hour. When you have a base starting point, it becomes simple to measure success.

Fitness goals are wonderful, and they are as unique and varied as the people on this planet. Whatever your fitness goals are for this New Year, I wish you all the luck in the world to find that ever flowing well of determination inside of yourself that will not allow you to set it down. Allow me to also remind you that you are stronger and more capable then you may think. Now go out there and get after it, knowing that the Movement Revolution family is available to guide and keep you focused on your individual goals along the way. Hoping that 2018 brings you bliss and blessings all year long. Happy New Year!