Okay, be honest with me. How’s your 2020 New Year’s resolution working out for you?
Are you still working enthusiastically toward accomplishing your goals? Or did you find that
after two weeks (or maybe two days) life got busy and each day it became more difficult to find
the time and desire to follow through.
Don’t feel bad, you’ve just joined the ranks of the majority of resolution setters.
According to U.S. News & World Report, 80 percent of those who set New Year's resolutions
have failed by February.
We all find it difficult to get out of our rut, even though the changes can have a positive effect
on our mental and physical health, relationships and careers. So, let’s look at the 9.2% of
resolution setter who actually keep them and how they do it:
1. For them it’s a marathon, not a sprint. They take it one step at a time. For example, a
person who spends an hour in the gym doing a strenuous workout may find himself so
sore the next day that it’s hard to continue. Instead, take it slow. Don’t go on a super
restrictive diet, instead you might start week one with drinking more water. Next week,
stop unhealthy snacking between meals. The following week, add more vegetables and
fruits to your diet. By removing a bad habit or adding a good habit one a week at a time,
you’ll find they are more sustainable.
2. They prepare themselves mentally to achieve their goal. They read articles that help
them better understand the how and why of what they are trying to achieve. You also
might post a motivational saying above your desk and repeat it often. Sayings like
“Getting ahead is getting started,” or “Only I can change my life,” can give you the
mental push you might need. Telling others about the benefits you’ll reap when from
your goal will reinforce its importance for you.
3. They track their progress. By keeping a daily record, they know if they are on track to
reach their goals. The Journal of Social Psychology reports it takes an average of 66 days
to form a habit. Keeping a daily journal of your progress will help you see the progress
you are making… or not. Each day try to reach or exceed your goal.
4. Engage social support. It’s always easier going to the gym if you are meeting a friend or
family member there. Dieting is easier when you can share recipes and your daily
progress with a friend. Also, telling others about your goal will add to your level of
commitment.
We invite you to join us in the Corporate Warrior Fitness Challenge where like-minded
professionals commit to make healthy changes in their lives. This exciting program tracks your
progress with the goal-structured application, SPAR. You’ll converse regular with other goal
setters to share tips and advice for achieving goals, along with reporting the milestones you’ve
reached.
Take a few minutes to listen to a call where I explain the rules for accepting the challenge and
the how to play the game.
To learn more or to register for The Challenge, click here:
Let’s make 2020 the year we achieve our goals!
Sarano and Brooke Kelley