#FitnessFacts: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

-Self improvement & weight loss goals are the top two genres of New Year’s Resolutions made by millions of people every year, and yet only 8% of these goals are ever achieved! -Goals are important to have! No matter what types of goals you make, there are many things you can do to make them achievable. -First, make it something you really want! Don't make it a resolution that you "should" want or what other people tell you to want. It has to fit with your own needs & values. -After deciding this goal is something you genuinely want, apply the SMART principle to it: -S – Specific. Define what it is that you want & break your larger goal into smaller targets. “I will go to the gym more often” is too general. “I will start taking a spin class every Tuesday & Thursday” is more likely to be accomplished. -M – Measurable. Make your goal something that can be tracked. “I will lose 10 lbs in 2 months” vs “I will lose weight” makes the goal easier to be monitored. -A – Attainable. Make sure your goal is something you can realistically reach! There’s no shame in setting a smaller goal- even if you reach it, you can always set a further goal after! -R – Relevant. Is your goal really important? Is now the best time for you to try & reach this goal? -T – Timely. Set a time frame! Turn “I will lose 10 lbs” into “I will lose 10 lbs in 2 months.” -Also, be vocal about your goals! Having friends hold you accountable can be a powerful tool, & making a public commitment can add to your motivation. -Most importantly, if you fall off the wagon, jump back on! Slipping is part of any process- don’t let your slips be a reason to give up on your goals. Always remember your reasons WHY you chose your goals to keep you motivated.