I love the start of a New Year as it’s the time I look at the year ahead and plan what I want to do and set my intentions. As a Health Coach, I also guide my clients to set their goals which is an important step before they begin making changes. If you are creating your New Year’s resolutions read my tips below on how to set these so you can keep to them through the year.
First, don’t just casually think about making changes, instead set some time to write down your goals for 2021. By writing them you are clearing stating your intentions and can then be held accountable.
Set goals that are important to you and also understand your “why” for wanting these goals. For instance, if you want to lose weight because your doctor has asked you to, you may not be committed to it. However, if you want to lose weight to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, to look and feel good and to have more energy to spend time with your family you are clearer on your “why” for making these changes.
When we really want something, we make the time for it and create the right environment for ourselves to achieve it. If it is not that important to us, we find excuses since we have not prioritised it.
When writing your resolutions do consider what you enjoy and can be consistent with rather than doing something that you dislike and can only follow for a short period. For example, to get fitter, build stamina and strength you don’t have to go to the gym, instead you can play a sport, do yoga or swim. Also, if you have not exercised frequently it would be better to start exercising twice a week and then build it up gradually instead of going five times a week and giving up within a few months because it was too extreme a change.
Be specific when writing down your goals so you know what you are working towards. Have a few big goals and break these into mini goals which are easier to achieve, as it’s the small steps that lead to big changes.
Ensure your goals can be measured as this allows you to track your progress. The goals have to be meaningful to you so you can continue with them not just in January when you are motivated, but throughout the year.
Write down what actions you need to take to get to your goals and ensure that you have set achievable goals. Visual cues on a vision boards are also an excellent reminder for the actual actions required to accomplish your goals.
Have goals that are relevant and right for you, don’t set them only because your friends have them as a goal. Also, be realistic about what you plan to do; don’t try and do too much in a short period of time but then give up because you felt overwhelmed.
Set the time frame to achieve these goals and if necessary, change the time frame if needed. Do keep reviewing and updating your goals during the year.
Lastly, find an accountability partner, this could be either a friend, your family or a professional coach to work with. If you have felt that making changes on your own has not given you the results that you would have hoped for in 2018 do get in touch with me.
Enjoy creating your New Year’s resolutions. Happy New Year!
Sujata Din is a Certified Health Coach and Certified Professional Cancer Coach. In this regular column for ‘iGlobal’, she offers some special insights, from useful wellness tips to recipes for creations that are not only delicious but also healthy.