New Year, New You? Kickstart Your Goals For The Year

Have you got your goals set in place for next year? Let's chat about some things you should consider...

As the New Year rolls in, many of us embark on a journey of change and growth, setting new health and fitness goals to achieve. We tend to put so much pressure on ourselves to hit the New Year running and can feel deflated if it doesn't quite go as expected.

How many times have you set yourself goals for the new year and they have crumbled by the time you hit February? Even if that has been the case time and time again, this year is your year to actually commit to your goals and make a change!

Let's dive into how to make this year the year that you stick to your goals and follow them through well past the new year:

Reflect on the Previous Year:
The first thing we all want to do is dive head first into deciding on our goals for the new year but hold your horses just for a second. Take a moment to reflect on the year that has just passed - What aspects of your fitness and nutrition worked, and what aspects didn't? What goals did you achieve, and what goals did you fall short on? Try to learn from your past experiences. Reflecting can help you understand what motivates you and what aspects of your fitness and nutrition need some extra attention. This can help you set new goals that truly resonate with you and what you desire to achieve.

Set Your New Goals:
If you haven't already, make sure you have set clear and realistic goals that are meaningful to you. Refrain from copying someone else's goals, try to set ones that are achievable and relevant to you. Be clear, rather than vague with your resolutions. "Get fit", "Eat healthier", and "Go to the gym" are very vague goals and aren't very well measured without more information. You can use the SMART method (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely) to help you set more in-depth goals.

An example of a vague goal would be "I want to lose weight". Instead, try to be specific about how much weight you would like to lose, in what timeframe you would like to lose it, and how you are going to achieve your goal and measure it. "I want to lose 5 kgs in 3 months, I will achieve this by working out 3 times a week and cutting out alcohol. I will measure my progress by weighing on the scale every day for the next 3 months".

The above is just an example of all the things you want to consider when setting goals to help yourself succeed.

Incorporate a Holistic Approach:
A holistic approach includes looking at all components of health, including the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual. Commonly we just think of health being physical, but as you can see, it includes much more than that. Consider the following aspects of your health:
- Nutrition: Fuel your body with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, a mix of simple and complex carbohydrates that align with your goals, and healthy fats. Try to incorporate as many whole foods as possible, but remember that balance is the key to sustainable success.
- Fitness: Just getting your body moving each day is so important for general health. Try to find a type of exercise you enjoy and can commit to. You are much more likely to stick to it if you enjoy doing it.
- Mindset: A healthy mind helps foster a healthy body. Always look after your mental health, you may do this by incorporating mindful practices like journalling or mediation. This can help manage stress and promote a healthy and positive mindset.

Find Yourself a Supportive Environment:
Surrounding yourself with the right people can make a big difference in your ability to reach your goals. You want to be around those who lift you up, not tear you down. The positivity and support of others can help keep you motivated when times get tough. Share your goals with your family and friends, or find a community of like-minded people to connect with. A good support system will help keep you accountable and eager to stay on track.

Try to Stay in Your Own Lane:
It can be so easy to feel behind when you see others achieving their New Year's resolutions, you may wonder why you haven't achieved yours yet. But try to remember that everyone's journey and situation is different, try to avoid playing the comparison game. Instead, congratulate other people on their successes and use them to motivate you to achieve yours.

Don't forget to track your progress to ensure you are on your way to achieving your goals throughout the upcoming year. Remember that the most successful people are those who adapt and adjust, as sometimes life can throw you curveballs. Always remind yourself of why you started your health and fitness journey in the first place.

Here's to the New Year, let's make this year the best one yet!