I’m not going to lie, I was once one of those people who didn’t believe in New Year’s resolutions.
I would open up a membership at a local family fitness center the first week in January and wouldn’t even make it to February before canceling it. I would eat healthy and give up things like candy, pop and other treats and then indulge a few days later.
I had every intention of becoming a better version of myself and sticking to my resolutions, but I had no idea how to go about doing that and seemed to fail at it every time.
If this sounds like you, I am here to tell you that you can do it. You can actually stick to your resolutions.
First, start by setting realistic goals. For example, don’t set a goal to lose 50 pounds in a couple months because then you’re going to be discouraged if it doesn’t happen.
Instead, try to set a more general resolution such as to be healthier overall. This may include losing weight, gaining muscle and stamina, eating healthier and exercising more.
Also, don’t be so hard on yourself when you miss a day working out or if you do eat something that isn’t healthy. You don’t have to give up on your resolution if this happens.
Second, make a plan and try to stick to it. It’s easier to follow through with your healthier resolution if you have your meals planned and prepped and your workout days and times picked out.
I would also suggest writing everything down. You can always rearrange your plan, but you are more likely to stick to it if it’s written down for you.
Remember, you’re always going to be busy, but if you make your health a priority, you will stick to your resolution.
Third, don’t fall for a quick fix. Yes, it may sound good to lose 20 pounds a month using a certain supplement or product, but that isn’t practical.
Your resolution isn’t going to happen overnight and you’re going to have to put in some time and work to achieve it. If it’s important enough to you, then you will make it happen.
Lastly, find out what works for you. Getting a gym membership didn’t work for me. I would go to the gym every day for a couple of weeks, but once I missed a few days in a row, I felt like a failure and gave up on my resolution.
I refocused my plan and started working out at home. I used at-home workouts and found it easier to stick to my resolution. I couldn’t make the same excuses I did when I would physically have to go to the gym.
I work out when I want to and around my own schedule – not just when the gym would be open. I don’t have to pay extra for child care at a gym and worry about other people I don’t know watching my 3-year-old son for me. I try to work out in the morning, before he even wakes up, and get some time for myself.
New Year’s resolutions have a bad rap, but I am here to tell you that you can change that. You can be the person you want to be and do the things you’ve always wanted to do. It’s never too late.
Remember, you’re always going to be busy, but if you make your health a priority, you will stick to your resolution.
Not buying the idea that parents should set New Year’s resolutions? Check out another local mom’s reasoning as to why New Year’s resolutions are not necessary.
Kari Zaffarano is a mom of one from Clinton Township
