New Years Resolutions 101

With the New Year comes a variety of New Years resolutions, but most people have some sort of exercise and diet resolution in their list.  This being the case it is no doubt important to find ways to stick to your new goals and to stay motivated in the midst of the cold and darker months.

One of the best tricks to staying motivated is to get your friends, partner, spouse of family involved.  Going to the gym is a lot more rewarding when it is done with a buddy.  Not only can you help keep each other on track but you can also add in a little healthy competition if this is the kind of thing that gets you going.

Another great way to stay motivated is to set up a rewards program for yourself.  Tell yourself that after the first five or ten pounds you will get a treat.  No not chocolate cake, but instead a new workout outfit, or new runners.  Whatever it is make it a treat that will keep you geared up and pumped for more workouts.

Writing down your goals can be another important step when it comes to being accountable.  If you just keep it in your head your might not feel as determined to take it on.  By writing it down you and setting a goal for the whole year you can check up on yourself next year.

Making a plan is also key.  Beyond merely writing down your goals you should also make a step by step plan for how you plan to achieve them. 

For instance, when exactly do you plan to go to the gym?  How often?  Do you need to plan for childcare?  Do you need to leave work early or keep clothes in a  locker? 

Perhaps you need to sign up for a class or for an appointment with a trainer.  By making an appointment you can guarantee that you are less likely to bail when the day comes. 

In conclusion, by taking some steps in advance and by doing a little bit of planning ahead you can help yourself stick to your resolutions more effectively.