Tips to Sticking with your Resolutions!

I’m used to be a very type A virgo who made resolutions every year and would beat myself up if I didn’t accomplish them. I would use sheer discipline to make things happen and if I wavered a bit, I would get very down on myself. Life is meant to be enjoyed and we really shouldn’t punish ourselves. We often say the worst things to ourselves and would never criticize a friend or family member in the same way. So go easy on yourself this new year and think about some goals you would like to incorporate in to your life. Don’t set any strict rules or chose something completely unrealistic. I can’t imagine losing my baby weight in 1 month after just having given birth to twins and managing a toddler; but I can start moving a bit more every day and doing things that feel good for my body, mind and spirit.  There’s always a fine balance between making improvements on ourselves and in our lives, while still enjoying the ride.

Here are some tips that will help you stick to your goals without doing anything drastic:

WRITE THINGS DOWN: It truly helps to accomplish things when you have to write down your goals and see them on paper. You will feel more accountable once you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and make a list of what you’re incorporating in to your life or how you will go about your resolution. You can check back in or keep a daily record or log of workouts, food you’re eating etc. You could also find a handy app for tracking progress, whether it’s fitday for your food log, mint for a budget tracker or strava to track your runs, you’ll find a ton of great ones that you like.

LET THE WORLD KNOW: If you tell friends, family, Facebook groups or your office mates, you will be more likely to stick to your resolutions. Not only are others in on your goals now, you will have support system to rely on. It’s also so great to have a support team who will encourage you along the way or join you on your journey. My husband gained some pregnancy weight as well, and he and I both decided to talk to each other and find ways to slowly slim down. We want to cook our own meals, incorporate as many fresh fruits and veggies as possible and walk whenever we can instead of taking a cab or subway. We are both pretty competitive too so that makes it even more fun!

TREAT YOURSELF: As you accomplish your goals, along the way, give yourself mini treats. You could indulge in a mani/pedi, massage, new shoes, anything to keep you motivated and remind yourself why you’re doing this—to feel better about you. I love to do private classes with my favorite teachers in my field. Not only does it keep me working towards my goal, it’s a great way to keep learning and growing and see my mentor friends.

MEDITATE: If you focus your brain every day you are developing your prefrontal cortex and helping yourself to stay in the moment. When we are more mindful of our actions, it’s easier to change them. It doesn’t have to be anything formal, just 5 minutes of watching your breath. If you lose your concentration, bring it back by repeating “breathe in, breathe out” in your mind. I find meditation has helped me accomplish so many of my biggest goals.

BREAK THINGS DOWN: I didn’t write my new book, Chair Yoga, overnight; each chapter needed to be broken down after I created my outline. This is how you should look at your resolutions, break each one down and start with micro goals. For instance, I will walk for 20 minutes 3 times a week. Then, I will walk/run for 30 minutes 3 times a week. And so on, until you’re running 3 miles 3 times a week. Whatever your goal, if you take it step by step and day by day, it will add up!

Whatever it is you want to accomplish, you can do it! Take your time, be kind to yourself, enlist a support team, stay in the moment and enjoy your life along the way.

Happy New Year!!!