Every New Year, people make resolutions to “start going to the gym” and generally just to be a healthier person. But these goals usually don’t last through the month of January. While we all enthusiastically make health goals to try to better ourselves, we usually don’t end up keeping them. Here are some ways that you can make realistic health goals and actually keep them going!
Be Specific
When most of us make our health goals, we tend to make these goals too vague. “Going to the gym” or “eating better” are goals that are too broad to be fulfilled. However, making a goal to run on the treadmill for thirty minutes every day is specific enough that you will actually be able to achieve it. This method is helpful because you are actually able to implement a plan of action on how you intend on accomplishing your goal.
Do Your Research
Figure out what it takes to lose an extra ten pounds or what kind of ingredients you need to make healthier meals. Without having a realistic idea of how you are going to carry out your goal, there isn’t much chance of you following through. People want to better themselves, but they have no idea on how to achieve their goals realistically. It can be overwhelming starting a new health journey, but with some research and planning, this process won’t be too stressful.
Set a Timeline
Know when you want to accomplish your goal by. If you set a deadline, you’ll be inclined to work on your goals without delay. Also, make sure your timeline is realistic. Losing twenty pounds in a week does not count as realistic. Once you have done your research, you’ll know how to achieve your goals, so you should also know how long it will take.
Track Your Progress
Most people give up on their goals because they think that they haven’t made any progress. We want results fast and often get demotivated when we don’t see them. Obviously seeing results in a week’s time is impossible and this can be disheartening. However, if you track your progress over a month or two, for example, by taking before and after pictures, you will be able to more easily see your improvement. Also, if you are able to see how much you have progressed, you will be motivated to keep going.
Make it Fun
People tend to be fickle when it comes to their health goals. The process of getting in shape or changing your diet are usually not fun. People often dread going to the gym and hate eating vegetables, but this doesn’t have to be the case. You can make your goals fun to achieve by finding out what you like. If you don’t like running, you can get your cardio some other way. Maybe you can go swimming instead, or you can take a dance class. Finding ways to enjoy reaching your goals will make it more likely that you’ll actually keep them.
Share with us how you create health goals and keep them by tagging us on Instagram @itouchwearables and Facebook @itouchwearables. Also, be sure to check out our new articles published daily!
-Sachika
