There is no wrong time to commit to making a change in your life, especially when that change involves improving your own health and wellness. With that being said, the beginning of a new year is always a popular time to start making these changes. New Years resolutions aren't a new concept, and you've probably set more than a few in the past, but many people find them difficult to stick to for more than a few weeks.
What makes New Years resolutions so difficult to stick with?
More often than not, New Years resolutions are tricky to keep because they are either too lofty or too vague. If your goals are too lofty it can easy to get discouraged and lose your focus very quickly. At the same time, if your goals are too vague it can be difficult to know whether or not you are making progress, often leading once again to discouragement.
When setting goals you should keep the SMART principles in mind. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.
Specificity goals can give you a clear end point and make it easier to see your progress.
Measurable goals also make it easy to track your progress because there is a clear start and end point.
Attainable goals help to keep you motivated because you feel like you are moving closer to these goals.
Relevant goals are important because if the goal doesn't mean anything to you, you will have no motivation to accomplish it.
Time-based goals can be useful because they give you a deadline and keep you focused on the goal.
So whatever your New Years resolution is this year - whether it be to lose weight, gain muscle/strength, just be healthier in general, or anything else - remember to be SMART with your goal-setting.
Rammr Strength & Conditioning
- Kyle