That's officially a wrap on 2022. Whether you're pro or anti New Year's Resolutions, the energy of a fresh start is palpable in the early days and weeks of January. But as you know, this momentum tends to wear off as time rolls on, and even the best of intentions fall to the wayside as old habits inevitably creep back in.
Would it surprise you to know that the top 3 resolutions are health related?
The Big 3
1. Exercise more
2. Eat healthier
3. Lose weight
How about that less than 10% of people successfully keep their New Year's Resolution? Pretty bleak.
I don't share this information to deter you from using this season of change and intentionality to your advantage, but I do want you to get the most out of it, and not end up like the 90% who either: failed to reach their goal, or missed the opportunity to set the right goal at the right time.
So, why do people struggle to stick to their resolutions, and more importantly, what is the secret to those who succeed?
The most common reason people cite for giving up on their resolution is a loss of motivation. Let's say you've laid out a pretty lofty goal with significant effort and lots of demands up front. While this framework can work for some individuals in the short-term, when motivation is high, often the "complete overhaul" methodology fails when life inevitably "happens". Now it's February and you've experienced a setback or a dip in motivation, and the whole thing comes crashing down like a house of cards. With a foundation built solely on motivation and willpower, the task of rebuilding once its lost is near impossible. Old habits and ways of being take over as you naturally gravitate towards what felt easy, and in its own way, comfortable.
Skip the temptation to overdo it with unrealistic expectations, muddy the waters with open-ended concepts (what does eating healthier really mean, even?) or relying on sheer willpower alone. Ready to hone in on the right goal for you and set yourself up for success? Enter the SMART Format.
Not only for setting goals this New Year's, you can use this acronym to check in any time you're in goal setting mode. Here's how it works. Your goal should be:
1. Specific. Don't leave any room for confusion. Swap out: "Exercise more" for something like: I will go to the gym consistently 3 days a week.
2. Measurable. Can you track your progress, see where you've been and where you're going? If your goal is to get strong, choose a metric that you can use to measure that. "I will increase my back squat by 25 lbs".
3. Achievable. Of course it should be challenging, but is it realistic? There is a sweet spot where you have to edge outside of your comfort zone to get to it, but you have to believe that you can get there. Set a goal that you feel strongly you can accomplish if you follow through with the plan.
4. Relevant. Check back in with your vision for yourself. Take a birds-eye view of 2022, reflect, and look ahead. Where do you want to go? How do you want to feel, who do you want to be? Make sure the short-term goals you set along the way support and align with this vision.
5. Time-based. When is it due? Set yourself a deadline, and be realistic with this one. Search for the sweet spot. Apply a little pressure, but not so much that it feels unattainable.
If you're looking for some more support and accountability as you navigate through your goals, simply click the link below to schedule your FREE No Sweat Consultation!
