Making resolutions is an easy
process. Most people can identify things that they would like to change within
their daily lives to improve the way they feel or the way they function to
enhance their personal quality of life. Resolutions can really be anything that
is trying to promote positive change ranging from eating healthy, working out
more, losing weight, reducing stress, maintaining a clean house, garage, or
basement, quitting smoking or reducing the amount you drink, and the list goes
on and on. Regardless of what your resolution may be, there is one common
denominator: sticking to a resolution is difficult. Below are a few quick considerations
to take into account when setting your goal.
Know the “Why”
Dig
deep and figure out why you really want this change. Is it for yourself? Your
family? Your friends? There needs to be some intrinsic factor that drives this
desire to change and in order you’re your resolution to be meaningful you need
to understand your driving force. Once you know this, educate yourself about
the subject you are changing to help set realistic and manageable goals.
Accountability
Make
your resolution a priority à
put it into your schedule! When something is written down it is much less
likely to get forgotten or passed over. To skip this task you would have to
acknowledge that you are skipping it as you read over it, which is more
difficult. Wanting to change is not enough; you have to act on this desire.
Utilize
an accountability partner or group. Tell people what you are doing. This is
also a strategy that makes it more difficult for you to back out of a
commitment. Let your friends be friends and help you with this difficult
endeavor.
Goal Setting
Make your
resolutions concrete or measureable. Without a way to measure your progress
there is no way to ensure that you are heading in the right direction.
Keep a
log or track your progress along the way. A visual reminder is a good way to
remind you what you have done and what you need to keep doing to get to where
you want to go.
Have
long term goals (resolutions), but also create short term goals that are
stepping stones to the bigger milestones.
Have a
deadline. Having an end in sight helps to make your resolution seem realistic.
Without an endpoint any goal will seem daunting and unattainable. Make sure you
know what you are heading towards!
Wager Something
Making a bet is another way
to hold yourself accountable and competition can help fuel consistency. A bet
does not have to be money. You can come up with a funny consequence, a material
prize, or just put pride on the line with a friend. Find out what motivates you
and put it on the line!
Reward Yourself Along
the Way
When you do hit milestones
or goals reward yourself! This is a way to make things fun and keep you
interested and motivated along the way. These rewards do not have to be huge or
detrimental to your goals. Maybe get that pair of workout shorts you have been
wanting or see a movie with friends. Just have fun!
Whatever your resolution may be and the “why” behind your
motivation for change, myself and the TheraCORE team truly wish you the best in
your endeavors.
Good luck and stick to it!
Kyle Kibler, PT, DPT, CSCS
