I’ve decided to do my resolutions differently this year and this is how…

It’s that time of year again. A new year beckons with the promise of bright new things and a fresh start. Heartfelt desires to stop, or start, doing something new or different.

I’m going to get fit. I’m going to eat healthier. I’m going to work less.

But have you noticed how the good intentions fall by the wayside? I know I have. We’ve all done it. The flush of excitement when you commit to resolve, which evaporates by end of January. So, this year I have two resolutions. The first I’ll tell you later and the second is to change the way I do with resolutions 🙂

Be Specific

“I’m going to get fit” is probably the most common besides losing weight. Science proves that there are clear benefits to both so it makes perfect sense. You’ll have more energy, you’ll sleep better, and you’ll be happier. Mind you, get fit and you’ll lose weight too!

But being fit isn’t a thing, is it? What does it mean? How do you know when you get there? The point is “fit” is all wishy washy, so you need something to aim for. So instead of “fit” pick a definable aim. It could be anything. Walk up the stairs without getting breathless. Walk up the hill near your house. Walk up a mountain. You get the idea. You also need a time frame. When are you going to do it by?

So, your resolution needs to be I will commit to do this every day, every other day, or by that date.

Be Accountable

Involving someone else will make it harder to give up. Tell them all about your resolution and how you plan to achieve it. Ask them to ask you about progress. Giving up is harder when someone is watching. If you ask they may like to do it with you.

Keep a diary of what you’ve done and how you felt doing it. If you were feeling crappy about your resolution write about why you’re feeling that way and what you did about it. It’s great to read back in the future and it will help if your commitment begins to wane.

Start Small

Keeping up with a resolution is easier if it becomes habitual. It needs to become a part of your daily life. Just something you do, rather than something you must force yourself to do.

Forming a habit forming takes time. Some say 21 days. I don’t know for sure, but one thing is certain. You rush the process in at your peril. It’s a long game and there is no hurry. If you start off hard; hours in the gym sweating, or trying to run up huge hills from day one, you’ll soon give up.

If it’s hard work, if it hurts, and if it becomes a chore you’ll stop. You need to be kind to yourself. Why make it harder than it needs to be?

For instance, if you’re starting to run, begin with 10 minute walks every day at the same time. The next week do 15 minutes, the next 20 minutes. Build from there and keep going. After a couple of months you could start doing a Couch to 5k running program to replace a couple of walks each week. Start to add bigger walks at the weekends. Plan trips with the family to new places with something to see. Involve the family in planning the trips. If it’s fun you’re far more likely to do it.

Reward Yourself

I have a friend who I’ve many mountain days with. His favourite phrase was “any idiot can be cold and uncomfortable”. Never a truer word spoken. The whole head down and suffer attitude is for special forces guys with a job to do. Your life doesn’t need to be that hard! The carrot is far more effective than the stick in my book.

As you progress through your goals give yourself a reward. Walked 5 miles? then have a nice pub lunch and go and buy that Goretex jacket you’ve been coveting. You’ve earned it.

Give Yourself a Break

We’re not robots and so we will have bad days. Sometime you just won’t feel like doing the morning walk/run. It’s not the end of the world. If it happens try and think about what’s actually going on. Are you ill? Are you bored? Think of a reward that may tempt you out. A Latte at the local coffee shop could well be be enough. Or maybe you need to do something different for the day.

If nothing helps, write it down in your diary and move on. Forget about it and get on with your day. There is always tomorrow.

My Resolutions

After 3 years of fatherhood my dad bod has got out of hand so I need to lose weight and get in shape. Where are my walking boots?

Summary

All of this applies to any personal and business goal. Set a definable aim, be accountable, start small, reward yourself, and give yourself a break. It will all be a breeze after that 🙂

How About You?

What are your resolutions going to be? How about telling us here and keep us updated on progress. It will be great to hear you’re getting on.