By William Poole, Health and Wellbeing Leader
‘Start off small and build up and trust the process you are on…’
Keeping it real
When setting goals and new year’s resolutions it is important to set a goal that is realistic to achieve. When we start thinking about goals it's easy to dream big and aim high, however, if you aim too high you run the risk of dropping out altogether if you falter, or becoming disengaged with the process.
Take a moment to think about what is possible to achieve in a year, taking into consideration your lifestyle, the people around you and your capabilities. Starting off small this year and building on it the next year will give you greater opportunity for sustainable change, after all, Rome wasn't built in a day.
Break it down
So now you have a goal set, you need to break it down into bite-sized chunks. Say your goal was to run the Lincoln City Half Marathon this September. You would set that distance as the endpoint in September and build back from that. This will help you to track your progress easily, but most importantly, it will help frame your mindset. Breaking that big goal down into small, less scary, achievable chunks will really help focus your brain into positivity, you can do this!
Don't forget the rewards
Rewards are hugely important, as they will help you to stay motivated. Now that you have broken the goal down, you can place in little rewards throughout the journey. Students use this method often when tackling a big assignment. Reach 1000 words and reward with a break and something to eat, reach the next 1000 and go for a walk, etc.
Rewards help you to stay on track and stay focused, especially if the end reward is so far away. So don't feel guilty if your reward for eating healthy is the occasional treat, because it might be the thing that encourages you to stay on course.
One last thing
These three simples steps could take your resolutions from being something you promise every year but feel bad about not achieving, into your success story. However, it is worth remembering to be kind to yourself.
You don't know what the year may hold when your set your goal and there could be numerous reasons for your plans to change. You could get a new job and your schedule completely changes. Don't give up. If you fall from your plan, then have a go at making a new one and tweak the goal. Nobody said resolutions just had to be in January.
This month our team at Lincoln City Foundation will be sharing with your their tips, tricks and experiences with setting healthy resolutions to help inspire you with your journey. Subscribe to our blog by becoming a member of our site. Click the login button at the top of our site.
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