Resolve to work toward a better you with these easy tips
The start of the calendar year is often a popular time for people to make a resolution. Why wait when you can use the start of your year and make a birthday resolution? Or a Tuesday resolution? There’s no need to wait for an event to make a change—you can get started now.
Starting small
You start small—it doesn’t have to be a great-big change. In fact, tackling a small change can propel you to more easily working toward bigger goals.
For example:
- You might want to drink more water, and less soda.
- Once you have that down, you might feel better and be more motivated to take a quick bike ride
- That could lead you to completing your first 5K run
Remember it’s about balance
When thinking about what you’d like to change, it can be helpful to consider a mix of goals—some that will lead to quick wins, and some that will lead to long-term success. When you can see progress quickly, it’s easier to stay motivated to keep working toward bigger resolutions to change.
It might be easier to work toward a change when you have a plan of things you hope to accomplish this month, this semester or this summer. Short- and long-term goals can help your plan come to life.
YMCA members can take advantage of a free Fitness Solution, where you can discuss fitness, nutrition and wellness goals with a Personal Trainer.
Set yourself up to celebrate successes
It’s easy to track the progress you make toward your goals when they are:
- Specific—know exactly what you want to change
- Measurable—make it easy to answer whether you completed your goal
- Attainable—set out with realistic intentions, plan to do something you can achieve
- Attached to a deadline—set a date that you can work toward
And when you have a win, don’t forget to celebrate your success—you’ve earned it!