Did You Make That Change?

Contributed by: Ciara Floyd, NSCF-CPT, NSCA-CSCS

Every January New Year’s resolutions are made and every March many of us look back and ponder our progress. Common resolutions may have sounded something like…

• “I am going to start exercising 5 days a week.”
• “I am going to add more protein to my diet.”
• “I am going to lose 20 pounds this year.”

It’s three months into the New Year and maybe you have fallen off track, have you stopped eating well or did your exercise come to a halt altogether?  You enjoyed working out for the first couple of weeks, maybe even the first two months, but then you got bored and/or maybe your life just got too busy? Nutritionally, you started out thinking the protein shakes and smoothies you were making tasted great, but now they just seem bland and you’re tired of the same old thing.  One reason your resolutions may be waning is that you are mentally defeating yourself.  Our minds our so powerful; try these tips to help stay mentally tough to stay on track with your health and fitness goals this year.

1. Find your purpose – Why did you set your goal? When did you start to doubt your ability to stick to your goals? Getting back to the purpose always makes it easier to maintain habits.
2. Push yourself – No matter your goal you must push yourself to meet them. For instance, if you wanted to start exercising 5 days a week in the new year and you have only gotten two days, set a new goal for 3 days and push yourself to do so.
3. Be Positive – Nothing is worse than self-doubt. If you think you cannot do it you are less likely to accomplish it.  Thinking and saying positive thoughts can have a huge impact on your ability to reach your goals.
4. Get outside of your comfort zone – Staying inside of your comfort zone is going to make it difficult to reach your goals. For example, those protein smoothies you have been drinking that are tasting very bland…well it’s time to try a new one.  Try adding greens to your smoothie or a new fruit you haven’t tried. Not only will it change the taste, but it will give you some extra nutrients.

No matter what resolutions you set for yourself, don’t give up when it starts to get difficult.  Try these four mental tips to help you stay on track.

Source:

https://ryanwoodtraining.com/4-powerful-mental-changes/