Ahhh, Spring time…Birds chirping, flowers blooming, and hopes of warmer weather on the horizon (unless you live in SoCal like me where it is perpetually on the brink of sunny weather all the time).  It’s a season that many get excited about to soon be able to show off all that hard work at the gym that he or she put in during winter.  Wait a minute, really???!!! Winter for many means heavy coats and a myriad of layers that helps to hide the extra pounds put on because it may have been too cold to go that extra mile to the gym—it’s easy to get lost during this time of year. 

By going through my planner and realizing that it’s already April, it has got me thinking about those New Years Resolutions that I’ve set for myself waaay back in January.  I had come to terms with the fact that I have been slacking on maintaining my resolutions, though I’m sure that I’m not the only one. With each month creeping by and my resolutions seeming ever so far away, I recently decided that I needed to get back on track.  I’m always appreciative of the beginning of a new month because it is like a clean slate that I can reset my mind frame and see the “track” I should have been on the whole time. I’ve set small goals with a deadline so that I can keep checking up on my progress and determine if I’m on the right path to reaching those goals.  

Here’s a little known fact that I discovered–when it comes to New Years Resolutions, they say that 20% of people go back to their past years practice and do away with the resolution after a month. The same exact resolution becomes a recurrent theme the following year, and the year after that. Weight related resolutions are ranked number 2, yet it still blows me away how many people still find excuses to get in the way of their fitness goals.  No matter what you have set before yourself to accomplish this year, there is still time.  It’s only been a full 3 months so far. Please don’t let these next few months go to waste and get back on your intended track. Hopefully by next January, you won’t be saying the exact same thing you said this year.

Here are some tips that may help make the rest of 2013 a success:

1.  Make it a Habit 

The Key is to make any goal a habit first and most importantly, make it a tiny one. Here is a list of examples of how this translates to some of the 4 most common New Year’s resolutions:

Resolution: Quit smoking vs. Habit: Only stop smoking that 1 cigarette you have every morning after breakfast

Resolution: Eat healthy food vs. Habit: Start substituting that 1 daily morning pastry for a banana

Resolution: Lose Weight vs. Habit: Every evening after work, go for a 2-3 minute run or walk around the block.

Resolution: Manage stress vs. Habit: Meditate for 2-3 minutes every morning after you wake up.

By immediately breaking down each resolution and seeing what the smallest habit could be, your chances of succeeding will be 50% higher than if you leave it vague. There is almost no way you can fail with it if you keep it simple and easy to remember...

2.  Set up an accountability system

Did you reach your goal of exercising four days a week all month? Great! Schedule that much-needed massage. But if you haven’t, it’s time to donate your favorite music CD. What am I talking about? Set up a reward and punishment system.

If you hit your goal, treat yourself to something special. If you don’t hit the mark, donate a personal item to a charity or give up something special – maybe your daily soy latte. This may be just the motivation you need to say ‘no’ to the donut and ‘yes’ to a delicious bowl of strawberries.

3.  Get Support

Talk to a friend or family member about your goal. Or consider joining a support group with people who are working towards the same goal. You’re more likely to succeed if you have support.

4.  Self Love

Don’t stress out if you break your resolution. Lasting change is about being consistent, not perfect. Just put your temporary indiscretion behind you and keep working towards your goal.

These tips are nothing new you haven’t heard before.  They say it takes 21 days to create a habit. Make the beginning of each month your clean slate and use that as your monthly New Years Resolution ‘check-in.’ Take it day by day, remember to enjoy the process, and most importantly have fun!