A new year gives you the opportunity to start over and make changes that can affect your overall health and well being. The number one New Year’s resolution each year for many people is to lose weight or to become more physically fit. However, only 92% of people actually achieve their goal. I normally don’t set resolutions for myself because I know that in order to change, I would need to set small attainable goals in order to see the results that I am looking for. Here are a few reasons why many people fail and don’t achieve their New Year’s resolution:
- want instant gratification
- set unattainable goals
- don’t create milestones
- don’t reward themselves throughout their journey
- refuse to share their goals
- write down your goals and milestones
- don’t look for additional benefits to eating properly or exercising
- find barriers that prevent you from achieving your goal
Consult a Physician Before Stating A Weight Lose or Exercise Program
Before you begin a weight loss plan or a new exercise regiment, you should always consult with your doctor. It is best to schedule an appointment to discuss your plans to lose weight or begin exercising. A doctor can determine if you are healthy enough to begin your journey and determine if you have any dietary restrictions.
Busy Mom’s Can Set Attainable Goals That Focus on Healthier Options for the Entire Family
As a mom, we often focus on everyone else but ourselves. I know that this happens to me personally, most of the time I don’t even realize that I have put my own health at risk by not taking some time to focus on myself. If you have decided to begin a new journey this year, as a busy mom you have to set attainable goals that fit your busy schedule.
Don’t Expect Instant Gratification
As you begin your journey, you must remember that it took time to gain the weight and it will take time to reach your goal weight. To lose 1 pound of fat you must reduce your caloric intake by 3500 calories. As people, begin working out they don’t see instant weight loss and immediately give up. However, to safely lose weight you should focus on losing roughly a 1-2 pounds a week. During your journey, you may hit a plateau where your weight loss will come to a stand still. If you keep your focus on the long term goal, you will eventually overcome your weight loss plateau and continue losing weight. You might have to vary your workout routine or may dietary changes, work with your doctor or a health trainer to assist you.
Set Attainable Goals
If you set unrealistic goals, you are setting yourself up for failure before you even start your weight loss or exercise journey. As a busy mom, it is very important to set attainable goals if you want to reach your end goal. Most mom’s are so busy taking care of family and house, most don’t have time to spend hours at the gym. However, you still can still find an ample amount of time to focus on yourself. What are some ways a busy mom can find time to exercise?
- go walking together as a family
- hit the gym a few times a week
- find a workout program that you can do in the comfort of your home
- purchase workout equipment
- buy Wii or Xbox games that allow you to be active while having fun
Create Milestones and Set up Rewards for Each Milestone
The best way to achieve your goal to create several smaller goals. Once your meet a milestone, reward yourself. This not only gives you something to look forward too, but it helps keep you motivated.
Create Accountability
It is important for you to share your New Year’s resolution with your family and friends. Family and friends can help you support your goals, but they can also help you when you are feeling defeated. Work out or accountability partners are also a great idea.
Additional Benefits
Find additional benefits that could help motivate you to stick with your weight loss or exercise goals. Many people feel better when they are getting proper nutrients or when they exercise. When you feel better your self-esteem and confidence improve. You will find that you will begin to feel better about yourself. There are many additional benefits that you and your doctor can determine based on your current health condition.
Remove Obstacles or Barriers That Prevents Your From Obtaining Your End Goal
Remove any barriers or obstacles that can sabotage your weight loss or exercise goals. Take a look at the overall picture and write down a list of all the things that you can think of that could prevent you from reaching your goals. Once you have a list of barriers, write down ways that you could overcome each barrier. For example, if your a busy mom finding time to exercise might be difficult for you some days. Instead of carving out a set amount of time to exercise, you could break your exercise regiment into several small sessions.
What is your New Year’s Resolution? What can I do to help support you?
