by Sheila Kalas, master trainer and owner of Fitness Plus
It’s hard to separate January from “New Year’s resolutions”; they seem to be synonymous. For quite some time January has been the month to start fresh, to get rid of all those bad habits and adopt new, healthy ones. January is the time that you are going to change and finally become the person you always knew you could be… right?
A resolution is really more like a goal, and proper goal-setting can be achieved if you know how. The problem with most goals is twofold: 1) they are too lofty and unrealistic and 2) they have no timeline or “mini goals” associated with them.
Most goals/resolutions are just big, bold statements like “I am not going to eat fried foods anymore,” or “I’m quitting smoking,” or “I’m going to work out three times a week.”
If you really want to make some changes in your life, then spend a little more time thinking about how you are going to make that happen. Instead of just blurting out some pie-in-the-sky wish that you want to happen, sit down and make a plan.
Make a S.M.A.R.T. plan for goals.
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely
I think that the “timely” element of goal-setting is extremely important. The timetable you set must also be attainable and realistic. Don’t forget that changing habits does take time. If you have not worked out in a long time, hate it and have a really demanding job and busy schedule, don’t set a goal of working out an hour every day. Give yourself a few months to ease into a regular workout schedule.
Remember that every little step towards your goal is progress that you should feel good about.
Give yourself a chance and give yourself a break. Make a resolution, but make it under the S.M.A.R.T. goal standard and don’t be so hard on yourself.
If you are looking for a personal trainer in Lexington and Central Kentucky, check out the bios of our Fitness Plus personal trainers and feel free to reach out to us at Fitness Plus.
