Here we are, approaching the last week of January. And I hate to assume. But I bet most who made any kind of New Year’s resolution have already thrown in the towel. Or if you’re anything like me, you simply don’t tell anyone your resolution. So no one will have to know when you break it. As we know, the majority of these failed attempts focus on fitness or weight loss. So it’s no surprise that I turned to a few favorite local wellness experts to help me better understand how to actually make resolutions that stick. How can we set ourselves up for success, year-round.

A study referenced in Inc. Magazine shared that January 19^th is called “Quitter’s Day”. This made me laugh out loud. Why exactly do we feel that a collective syncing of grand proclamations will actually result in significant lifelong changes? I scratch my head every year, but go on participating in the nonsense. Only to fall into the vortex of guilt, once again. These trainers agree that it’s not necessarily the goals that are setting us up for failure. It’s the mindset behind them, and accompanying habits, that will ultimately determine our success.

LISA SAYS…

Resolutions alone will not transform your life.  You must set yourself up for success by anticipating any potential barriers or obstacles in advance. It is imperative for us to address the importance of things such as proper sleep, healthy relationships, avoiding tobacco, drugs or excess alcohol.  We must find ways to relax and reduce stress. We have to consider ALL dimensions of wellness as we work toward leading a healthier and happier lifestyle. 

Stress is an enormous factor in our ability to sustain change.  By knowing what your stressors are and the potential causes behind those stressors, you can learn and adapt by implementing effective strategies to maximize your success.

Don’t forget to celebrate the wins!  While it is important to remember your goals and the steps necessary to achieve them, we must also continue to remind ourselves of all of the victories along the way.

MELISSA SAYS…

Be sure to make your goal something that is realistic and attainable for you at THIS moment in your life. Write it down, be specific, and tell someone. Once we say our goal out loud it makes it real.  If you are starting to lose motivation, get yourself an accountability partner. This person should be someone you trust that will cheer you on in reaching your goal . You may need to re-evaluate your goals and pull back a bit if you’re feeling overwhelmed. 

Show yourself some compassion. Stay positive and try to avoid any negative self-talk. You got this!

TONYA SAYS…

“Resolutions” should be positive, realistic and measurable – the basics of any achievable goal at any time of the year, really. Schedule your workouts! Book your days and stick to them. If something’s not working then stop doing it. Just don’t do the complete opposite, like stop working out all together!

Consistency is key, but a lot of people think that means the same one or two things, on the same days of the week at the same time. That is BORING and an easy way to lose motivation. You should be doing different things, with different people, inside and outside, traditional and new. Sometimes you’ve just got to slow down and take a step back…and that’s okay. Loss of motivation should never mean loss of effort. 

Yes, you may recognize Tonya from last year’s SCOOP, when she shared Four Exercises for Maximum Burn.

NATASHA SAYS…

I think the most important concept in your fitness program is to find your “WHY”. I encourage clients to find a long- term goal and consider it their why. Short-term goals, like weight loss… or an attempt to fit into a dress in time for an event, will be lost as soon as that goal is met. And then the motivation is gone. 

Think of all the things movement and exercise are going to give back to you LONG-TERM. Think of it more as an investment in YOU! Improved memory, better balance, and independent living later in your senior years. 

Tonya shared that “We all want the same thing : to live a long, happy and healthy life.” I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t agree. And lucky for us, we have these four local pros, their expert advice in various focus areas, ready to help us get there.

Now go get ’em.