By Abbie Burgess
Setting a goal for the new year is only the beginning. Now it’s time to make it happen! Casey Wick, director of personal training at Gold’s Gym in Eau Claire, has valuable advice for resolution newbies and seasoned goal-setters alike.
Set a reasonable goal and break it into little milestones.
“Don’t overwhelm yourself!” Casey Wick advises clients. “To make healthy a habit, you need to make a gradual transition.” Reaching one goal each week helps to make big resolutions manageable. “For example, if better nutrition is the goal, a client could stop drinking soda first. Once that goal is accomplished, they could go on to cut all fast food out of their diet.”
Find a support system.
An important step to keeping resolutions is to involve others in your journey. Wick advocates for hiring a personal trainer to help with fitness goals. She’s also seen clients start Facebook groups with friends and family to build a resolution-keeping support group. “If you have a setback or a bad week, they can be there to encourage you to not give up.”
Reward yourself.
Pick an incentive to reward yourself for reaching a small goal along the way. Wick recommends a small nonfood reward such as a book or a movie. When you’re looking forward to rewarding yourself, you’re more likely to keep going. Not all people are motivated by rewards, so Wick recommends using physical reminders such as post-it notes is to avoid diabetes or be able to play with your grandchildren, remind yourself why you got started.”
Stay positive.
Setbacks happen. Maybe you’ve added on those pounds you lost last week, but wellness resolutions are not always about the number on the scale! “If you feel better and are making positive changes, you’re succeeding,” Wick says. “Look at the milestones you’ve already accomplished.” Don’t let one setback keep you from pursuing your goal!
Use technology to your advantage.
Constantly on your smartphone? Use that to your advantage. Wick recommends using apps to help her clients reach their fitness goals.Whether your resolution is to drink more water or work out every day, you can customize an app to help track your progress. Her favorite is an app called MyFitnessPal for its ease of use and the ability to connect with friends.
Try these tips to turn your New Year’s resolution into a dream come true!
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