How are your new year’s resolutions going? According to researchers, many of us have already slipped up! Those who have studied resolutions predict that most people slip by January 19. So, if things aren’t going as planned… you definitely aren’t alone!
Our parent company, The Local Moms Network turned to three resolution experts for their simple tips for keeping your resolutions and showing yourself some GRACE when working to achieve your goals! Here’s what they have to say.
Think Small
Aiming big is great, and losing a ton of weight or saving a large sum of money is a worthy goal–but can be overwhelming. “Crafting smaller, shorter-term resolutions or check-ins (as you work toward this larger, long-term goal), is a really smart, strategic move,” says Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, health and nutrition expert for NBC’s TODAY show, #1 New York Times bestselling author and host of a new, weekly, interactive Amazon Live show, Health, Happiness, Joy. She adds: “That’s because small changes are easier to stick with, more tangible and more rewarding.” For more advice from Joy, you can find episodes of her live Amazon Show to watch anytime at https://www.amazon.com/shop/joybauer.
Show Yourself Some Love
Don’t punish yourself for slipping—praise yourself for succeeding. “When you do something good, reward yourself. Eat a new veggie, celebrate with a non-food prize, like a great new nail polish. Go an extra five minutes on your daily walk, splurge for a new podcast or audio book to encourage another 5 on the next one. This good feeling will only encourage more positive behavior,” says Joy.
Plan to Succeed
Start your week on Sunday with a planning session. “Before the week begins, put aside 15-30min either alone or with your partner to connect on the week ahead. Plan out your workouts, meetings, and to-do’s that you want to make sure you address for the week to stay on track,” says celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser, who has worked with stars like Kelly Ripa and Karlie Kloss. She adds: “I find that if I don’t take this time every week, everything takes off on Monday and it’s impossible to fit it all in.”
Put EVERYTHING in your Calendar
This is one of Anna’s favorite tips… and mine too! Without my calendar I would literally never remember anything. Heck, sometimes I even forget to look at my calendar. So what does she mean by “everything”? “Even your grocery list. Even the time it takes you to get from point a to point b. Even time for hobbies or a bath,” says Anna. The more you write down, the more likely you will be to make time for it, she says…and be realistic about making it all happen.
Make Your Goals Super Specific
Like Joy, Stacy S. Crawley, a certified life coach who specializes in empowering moms, says that goals shouldn’t be these huge, vague ideas…instead, pinpoint exactly what you want to do. “Take time to cast your vision and make it plain. Oftentimes, it can be very hard to know where you’re going or achieve your desired goals if you’ve yet to sit down and set the direction of your path,” says Stacy.
If fitness and nutrition are on your list of resolutions for 2021, be sure to check out the
2021 Stamford Moms Fitness Guide, here!