January 1st Passed With Zero Action From You! How To Stay Focused On Your Fitness Resolutions

Is it fair to say that you've been in this position before? You know what I'm talking about. Writing down (physically or mentally) those "New Year New Me" goals that will make an improved version of you. We make it even more "official" by telling ourselves that you're going to start at the 1st of the year. We get excited! We tell ourselves, "This is the year I will accomplish my goals (for the sake of this blog...fitness goals). We buy the clothes, equipment, gym membership, protein shakes... (you get the point) then December 31st arrives! You're getting excited for January 1st. Your alarm is set for your arrival time to get to the gym the next day. You get your diet ideas from some so called nutritional "guru" you found on YouTube, You even laid out your workout clothes. Heck, you are so excited that you share your plans with friends, and post it on all of your social media accounts.

We've ALL been there before in some capacity. An average of 8% of people actually stick with their New Years Resolutions through an entire year, so you're not alone. Now, why do you suppose that's the case? I mean, we go into it with the right mentality. We get prepared, then all of it fizzles out at some point. I can think of one general reason why this happens: LIFE! Think of everything you've gone through (good, bad or in between) within the course of 2021. If you're like everyone else, there has been a lot! Things that caused joy, pain, happiness, sadness, anger, etc. This is why we fall short of our goals. These things can cause us to lose motivation, get sidetracked, and even give up,

Instead of sulking and feeling sorry for ourselves (We still have over 300+ day left), we can refocus and get right back! Here are 6 ways to refocus, and get back on track:

1. Don't go at it alone- Enlist a friend. It's best if you find someone who has relatively the same goals as you do. This will make it easier for you to be held accountable.

2. Find a Motivational Quote- Each year I find a quote that fits what I'm trying to accomplish for that year (it can be multiple quotes). You're going to have hard, stressful days but use your quote as the driving force to remind you what you're trying to accomplish.

3. Just because you stopped, don't quit- Like I said earlier in this blog, life will happen. You may need to take a day or two to just breathe and regroup, but it's important to NOT QUIT!

4. Take baby steps- Rome wasn't built in a day. Even though you want to start January 1st it doesn't mean you'll accomplish your fitness goals on January 10th. This should be a lifestyle change. Take your time, but be consistent.

5. Take progress pics- It's hard to really see the work you've done by staring in the mirror every single day. It may look like nothing has changed. Progress pics show physical long term accomplishments much better, and more clearly for you.

6. Hire a certified trainer- Whether you prefer face-to-face training or online, it's good to have the guidance of a professional who can help you with consistency, accountability and progression.

I rely on some of these almost daily, to help me push through. Do I fall short? Absolutely, but like I always say, if it's important to me, I'll find a way.