Are you ready … for the healthiest year of your life?!!
We all know the New Year’s drill: setting goals that fizzle out faster than champagne bubbles. Why is that? We all have good intentions when we start a new goal or protocol. Dreams of how you might look and most importantly how will you feel. But no matter what the number on the scale reads the most important thing is to be healthy.
To lose cravings for sugar and other foods that don’t support your health
To reduce inflammation, bloating and intestinal discomfort
To have more energy
And, to simply feel your best, right?
Believe me, I’ve been there when it comes to setting goals and then a few weeks (or days) later giving into all the things that hold us back like not having time to plan, having a stressful day, or feeling too tired to prepare a healthy meal. These are all valid excuses but what it really comes down to is just taking a few steps to help us not only identify what we really desire but also what is it that is holding us back.
These 5 steps have been a HUGE help for me to not only achieve big things in my life but also to caringly support myself rather than indulging in the negative self-chatter. Yes, I’ve been there and done that too and I can tell you without a doubt that it’s not productive or worthwhile. So, are you ready for a little self-love and a whole lot of reaching your goal? Then, let’s dive in.
Step 1 – Determine What’s Not Working
Grab a pen and paper; it’s time for some real talk with yourself. Jot down what’s not working when it comes to achieving your health goals. Be super honest with yourself here. Don’t worry you can crumple it up and throw it away when you are done. What specifically are the things you are doing or not doing that get in the way of achieving your health goals? Maybe it’s those late-night snack attacks, skipping workouts, staying up late binge-watching Netflix, or deciding to grab something fast for lunch instead of sticking to your meal plan. Identifying these is crucial because it’s the little steps along the way that add up to why you are not achieving your wellness goals. Once you’ve identified those steps that aren’t working, it’s easier to implement change. Start with just one thing that you want to change and focus on that. Once you’ve successfully implemented the first change, then move on to the next.
Step 2 – Celebrate What is Working
Now, pause a moment as it’s time to acknowledge what is working. What things have you started doing over the last year that you are proud of? Write those down next on your piece of paper. Maybe you’ve stopped eating sugar or perhaps you are getting in a daily walk. Let’s celebrate the wins! Give yourself a pat on the back. It could be those daily morning stretches, swapping out soda for a hydrating herbal tea, or simply making time for self-care amidst the chaos. Reflecting on these victories no matter how big or how small fuels your motivation for more healthful strides in your life.
Step 3 – Are These Really YOUR Goals?
Ah, the tricky part—evaluating those health goals. In a world bursting with wellness gurus and Insta-perfect lifestyles, it’s easy to get swept up in someone else’s agenda. But hold on a sec! Are those goals authentically yours? It’s crucial to check in with yourself and see if they really resonate with you. Be particularly careful of the “shoulds” – I should be a size 8. I should be vegan. I should be gluten free. While these goals might be right for another, they might not be right for you.
Ask yourself: Do I genuinely want this goal or am I just swept away by someone else’s highlight reel? Keep it real, keep it YOU.
Step 4 – Ready, Set, Willingness Check!
Now, let’s talk commitment. Picture your goals—running that marathon, embracing a more plant-centric diet, or conquering that daily yoga flow. But here’s the kicker: Are you willing to put in the sweat, the time, the effort? Do you see yourself clocking miles on your running shoes each week to train for the marathon? Do you want to practice yoga daily? If the answer is yes, then you are on the right track. But if the thought of hitting the pavement at dawn for a run makes you want to hibernate instead, reassess. Your goals should excite you. Adjusting your aspirations to match your passion sets the stage for success. That said, it might not excite you to eliminate sugar or gluten from your diet, but knowing how good you will feel if you avoid these foods, now that’s something to get excited about. Sometimes the work might not be exciting but the reward makes it all worthwhile.
Step 5 – Take Daily Steps
Most health goals take time and dedication. It’s important to create time and space in your daily routine to focus on your goal. Set aside that precious time every day knowing that each day you are making progress toward optimizing your wellness. Whether it’s morning yoga, prepping wholesome meals, or taking mindful breaks amidst the chaos, carve out that sacred time.
Consistency is your secret sauce. Small, intentional actions every day add up to monumental change. So, pencil it in and show up for yourself!
Remember, this journey is yours, sweet friend. Embrace your pace, celebrate your victories, and keep moving towards that healthier, happier you. Cheers to a year brimming with vitality and joy!
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