Every January, millions declare their resolutions to lose weight, get in better shape, and build more muscle. And while it’s great to want to do all of these things in order to reach higher levels of health and fitness, statistics reveal that less than one-tenth will actually succeed with regard to these particular goals. Why such a low number?
The truth is that sticking to resolutions long enough to see lasting results takes a lot of time. That’s because you have to create newer and healthier habits, and that doesn’t just occur overnight. So what are some ways to develop healthier habits and ultimately transform your life in order to achieve lifetime success?
Here are seven tips to consider:
1. Start Small
It can be tempting to completely overhaul your life in the name of health and fitness, but taking this type of approach often backfires. It’s kind of like learning to swim by just jumping in. The resulting shock can create negative emotions about the process, causing you to want to get out of the water and never get back in. Going slow, on the other hand, enables you to develop healthier habits without feeling as if you are going to drown, making them more likely to stick.
2. Go Slow
Just as you want to start small, you also want to go slow to develop healthier habits. Give your body and mind time to acclimate to the new behaviors and, before you know it, you’ll be making more positive decisions in regard to your health, almost without thought.
3. Only Tackle One Habit at a Time
To keep yourself from getting overwhelmed with all of the things you “should” be doing, such as eating better, exercising more, and drinking more water, concentrate on making changes in just one area at a time. This helps you stay focused on the task at hand, increasing the odds that you’ll see success.
4. Make the Right Comparisons
Instead of comparing yourself with others, which often makes you feel as if you come up short, compare yourself where you are today with where you were yesterday, last month, or last year. Celebrate the progress you’re making and don’t beat yourself up if someone else is getting better results than you. Everyone is different and that’s okay.
5. Work With Your Lifestyle
Have you ever set a goal to get up earlier to get your workout in, even if you’re not a morning person? While it’s great to want to improve yourself by going outside your comfort zone, if you work with your lifestyle as opposed to against it, you’ll likely find it easier to create new habits. As an example, that’s why some websites suggest that students create an individualized fitness program to help them avoid the dreaded freshman 15. If it works with their life, they’re probably going to stick with it.
6. Don’t Allow Lapses to Become Relapses
We all take a step backwards from time to time, so expect this when you’re working to develop habits. The key is to not allow temporary lapses to become permanent relapses. When you fall, simply pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and declare, “I will try again!”
7. Never Give Up
In the end, as long as you never give up on yourself and constantly work at creating healthier habits, you will eventually win. Keep motivational notes on your computer, repeat positive mantras when you meditate, and set up a support system that encourages you when you need it. Never give up on yourself and you’ll be the person you want to be soon enough!
