I believe I mentioned this before, but I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. It doesn’t take a new year to make a positive change. I’m writing this now because let’s be honest, this is when everyone is searching for New Year’s resolutions, but the truth is, it doesn’t matter when you start.
It just matters that you do start.
Insert motivational quote here. Seriously, a thousand memes are floating around about missing shots and starting journeys and making the first step. They are all pretty cheesy, and all one hundred percent true. At the beginning of last year, my (Molly) body felt terrible. For a multitude of reasons not crucial to this story, but it took me until May to start kicking some bad habits. Nothing was going to change until I did, and it didn’t matter if it was May or January.
Five simple ways to start.
If you are ready to make a change, here are five simple ways to start.
- Make small resolutions. Choose something that can be achieved in only 30 days or less. People say that if you can do something for 30 days, it will become a habit. I picked two things to start, related to my diet. Accomplishing those first two goals has given me so much energy and motivation to keep going, and kick more bad habits.
- Make the goals measurable and incremental. A lot of people say they want to lose weight. If you want it to stay off, then set the goal at 1 pound per week. That’s the healthy way to do it.
- Track your wins. Celebrate your success, make a note of your failure, and adjust accordingly. Applying a growth mindset works here, just like everywhere else.
- In that vein, don’t be discouraged by failure. Individuals with a growth mindset see mistakes as temporary setbacks, something to be overcome. Reflect on what you can learn and apply that learning when attacking your goals.
- Surround yourself with support. Find an accountability partner, a coach, a mentor, a friend. Sometimes a little motivation from an outside source can go a long way in helping you to achieve your goals.
Remember, you are in control of you. No one else could have given me the desire or persistence to succeed in my health goals. I wanted it the most. No one else can do the work for you. (And for the record, I’m down 20 pounds with ten to go. Now YOU can keep me accountable too.)
The good news? I promise you; the work can be done. And you can do it.
Happy New Year. Now let’s get started.
Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.