The new year is tomorrow and lots of people are talking about healthy choices and lifestyle changes for next year. I want to point out a common pitfall that can easily thwart success: Many resolutions that seem like one goal are actually several goals put together. And, if you take on too many goals, you are very likely to fail.
For example, say you are dedicated to "eating healthy" next year. This is not one goal, but many: stop drinking sugary drinks, eat less meat, eat less fat, buy more vegetables, learn some nutrition to cook healthy meals, etc. All of these are their own individual goals, some with complicated steps. Take things one at a time, like simply resolve to buy more vegetables and eat them. You can then move on to other goals once you've established this as a habit.
Or, maybe you want to "get fit" next year. This is a bunch of goals parading as one goal: learn exercises, find time to do those exercise, calculate your caloric needs, alter your diet, keep track of your weight, yada yada. Pick one goal to start things off, like getting up early to do some pushups and jumping jacks. You can then move on to other goals once you've established this as a habit.
If you go after it with everything you've got, you'll burn out fairly quickly. Take it slow to make small, sustainable changes. Everyone wants to see big improvements equal to their effort, but it doesn't work that way - your body slowly adapts over time to what you're doing. Give your body time to work. Above all, don't judge your results solely by what you see in the mirror. Exercise and a smart diet will give you energy and mental clarity leading to a better attitude and outlook on life - all things that are more attractive that a small waist and/or big biceps.
For example, say you are dedicated to "eating healthy" next year. This is not one goal, but many: stop drinking sugary drinks, eat less meat, eat less fat, buy more vegetables, learn some nutrition to cook healthy meals, etc. All of these are their own individual goals, some with complicated steps. Take things one at a time, like simply resolve to buy more vegetables and eat them. You can then move on to other goals once you've established this as a habit.
Or, maybe you want to "get fit" next year. This is a bunch of goals parading as one goal: learn exercises, find time to do those exercise, calculate your caloric needs, alter your diet, keep track of your weight, yada yada. Pick one goal to start things off, like getting up early to do some pushups and jumping jacks. You can then move on to other goals once you've established this as a habit.
If you go after it with everything you've got, you'll burn out fairly quickly. Take it slow to make small, sustainable changes. Everyone wants to see big improvements equal to their effort, but it doesn't work that way - your body slowly adapts over time to what you're doing. Give your body time to work. Above all, don't judge your results solely by what you see in the mirror. Exercise and a smart diet will give you energy and mental clarity leading to a better attitude and outlook on life - all things that are more attractive that a small waist and/or big biceps.
