Setting "new year, new you" goals are a great way to plan ahead when you're feeling motivated (i.e., January 1st). But where are you at with those goals now that we are in February? If you're in the 80 per cent to 90 per cent of people who find themselves losing steam, here are Equinox personal trainer Sonja Wright's top five tips to maintain unwavering motivation.
Accept your current self, even though you are not yet where you want to be. Without accepting yourself the way you are right at this moment, you will never see yourself in that holy light, despite it staring you straight in the face.
Set specific, realistic and attainable goals with a detailed plan. A goal without detailed micro-steps most likely will be left as a mere dream. Tip: When you reach that goal, don't stop ... set new ones! Just because it's not a new year doesn't mean you can't set new goals.
Actually allow yourself to feel good and be successful. As Shawn Achor says in his book The Happiness Advantage, “When we are happy—when our mindset and mood are positive—we are smarter, more motivated and thus more successful. Happiness is the centre, and success revolves around it.” Welcome happiness into your life, enjoy the journey, and your successes and achieving your goals will come.
Check your self talk. Are you motivating yourself by telling yourself to "not be so lazy?" Did you eat "bad" or have a drink with your friends, so now you need to make up for it? This way of thinking is not only negative but detrimental to long-term success. If you are calling yourself names and often get angry with yourself, take a step back. Working out is not a punishment, and eating "bad" food is not going to set you back. But I assure you, your attitude will. In these circumstances it's a good idea to take a deeper look into why you find yourself craving or needing certain foods. Sometimes its something as simple as missing important nutrients throughout the day. With restriction comes binge eating and the feeling of missing out. Often, it's this viscious cycle that causes those cravings in the first place.
Work with a professional to find a type of exercise and program that you love doing. Working with a trainer will ensure you get the most out of your efforts and keep you progressing toward your unique and specific goals. If you don't love that hour in the gym, it's simple ... you need to Have. More. Fun. Not only does he/she help with accountability and support, they also provide outstanding knowledge and experience to help you further.
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