Happy 2023,
Have you noticed how New Year’s resolutions have this way of turning into gigantic projects?
You tell yourself: “I’m going to start working out 3 times a week.”
Then suddenly you realize you need to get some new sneakers, a new set of workout clothes, a new blender fruits, veg, and maybe even shop for some protein powder while you’re at it.
The list keeps growing — and before you know it? It’s February and you haven’t even started.
The thing is, the new workout clothes, the shoes, the protein powder… it’s all just busy work.
So in the words of businessman Stephen Covey…
The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!
That means in order to keep your resolution, you have to keep circling back to the MAIN THING – getting your gut healthy!
It’s human nature to want to jazz things up – to want to do things “better,” “more,” or “optimized.”
And that can be great – as long as it doesn’t get in the way of the MAIN THING, which in this case is your healthy gut, because with a healthy gut comes a better functioning immune system and a lot less inflammation and belly bloat.
But, there’s one big mistake you can make that can push you into a HUGE trap – and you’ll end up feeling frustrated, burned out, and like a quitter.
Here’s how it happens:
You set some HUGE resolutions for the New Year (yay!!!!).
Starting NOW, you will finally get your you-know-what together.
You’ll drink ALL the water … eat super-healthy food (and journal every bite) … be extra active … go to bed early …
But then a few days later you’re exhausted. You decide to sleep in … and you miss a walk … and then eat some cookies or chips and decide not to journal anymore, because what’s the point?
That one day “off track” turns into two. Which turns into three. And … you know how it goes.
And that’s when it happens – you give up (boooo!).
It’s not because you lack the willpower or the drive. It’s because you overcommitted, or tried to do too much!
This is why coaches and trainers talk about SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-sensitive).
They take all your big awesome resolutions and boil them down into bite-sized chunks (goals) that you can actually accomplish without feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and like quitting!
I’ve got a tip for you that’s so simple it will:
- Blow your mind and
- Make you think “dad joke”
Q: What’s the secret to keeping your resolutions?
A: Set resolutions that you can reach.
I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but hear me out.
It’s awesome to have big resolutions.
They can be motivating, they build character, and they generate a ton of self-confidence when you finally reach them.
But they also can leave you feeling discouraged and overwhelmed, and (worst of all) you can end up quitting.
That’s one of the biggest reasons ⅔ of people who set New Year’s resolutions quit by the end of January!
I have a better approach.
Setting “baseline” and “stretch” goals.
- A baseline goal (think simple SMART goal) is something you can realistically do on a regular basis (with a little effort).
- A stretch goal is like an “extra credit” goal. It stretches you past your baseline.
Most people start with stretch goals.
And as soon as their schedule gets busy or something gets in the way (being tired, sore, or you name it!), they give up.
Baseline goals that lead to keeping your resolutions stop that from happening.
Below are a few examples of what I’m talking about.
“Baseline” Goal Examples:
- Working out for 30 minutes, 3 days a week
- Eating food that support your belly
- Getting 15 minutes of fresh air, 3 days a week
All of those are doable with a little effort – and they will help you make BIG progress.
“Stretch” Goal Examples:
- Working out for 30 minutes, 5 days a week (3 days moderate intensity walking, 2 days moderate intensity resistance training)
- Meal prepping for 30 days
- Going for that 30-minute walk, rain or shine
Also doable – but throw in a busy week or a change in your schedule, and it can get really hard to keep up.
I have a little challenge for you: set 1-2 baseline goals for yourself (RIGHT NOW!) for the rest of this month.
This will help cement your healthy habits … gain traction … and you’ll be AMAZED at the difference they can make over time!
One more thing!
“Don’t get ahead of yourself.”
→ The only thing you can control is what you do TODAY.
It’s human nature to want to speed ahead – to focus on where you want to be, instead of where you are now.
But the fastest route to your resolutions is to focus on TODAY.
Your actions today (right now!) have a direct impact on your tomorrow. Multiplied over many days, your actions predict your future.
Powerful stuff, right? But that’s only half of it.
Imagine every one of your “todays” stacking up, teaching you valuable lessons.
And those lessons don’t only help you REACH your resolutions, but MAINTAIN them and BUILD on them into the future.
That’s priceless!
Books are written one word at a time … fortunes are amassed one dollar at a time … and marathons are run one step at a time.
→ What actions can you take TODAY that will move you toward the future of your dreams?
This was a compilation of ways to stay motivated to stick with your achievable New Year’s resolutions. I hope you found them very helpful. Don’t hesitate to leave questions or comments below. We are ALL still learning. 😊
To your success,
Jennifer
