As we kick off the new year, many of us set goals for what we want to accomplish. A common resolution is to lose weight or get in shape. Whether it’s because you overindulged during the holidays or noticed you’re out of breath after a day of shopping, the desire to improve ourselves is strong, but it can be challenging to stick with.
One major reason people fail is they don’t see immediate results. Weight loss isn’t something that happens overnight; it takes time and effort, with lots of ups and downs along the way. Instead of focusing solely on losing weight, think about the other health benefits like having more energy, slowing the aging process, improving mental health, and getting better sleep.
Eating better is crucial for losing weight. While some people go to extremes like adopting a keto or vegan diet, you don’t need to make such drastic changes. You could try fasting or simply eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of three big ones. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet, so experiment to find what works best for you.
Consider talking to a life coach, counselor, or therapist. These professionals can help explain why it’s so tough to keep resolutions and provide strategies to overcome those challenges. If you feel stuck or doubtful, they can offer support and guidance.
Another reason people fail is that gym memberships often don’t have much commitment involved; you can cancel anytime without a big loss. If you can afford it, look for a gym that offers an annual contract. Investing more money upfront can motivate you to stick with it to get your money’s worth.
Don’t push yourself too hard when you start working out. Overdoing it on the first day can lead to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which might discourage you from continuing. Ease into your fitness routine, give your body time to adjust, and consume more protein to help with recovery.
It’s also important to not be too hard on yourself if you slip up. Missing a gym day or overeating once in a while is normal. One bad day doesn’t undo all your progress. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
Lastly, consider downloading a fitness app like MyFitnessPal to help set goals, count calories, and track your progress. This can provide the motivation you need to stick with your resolution.
Make your resolution a real commitment and make this year the one where you achieve your fitness goals.
