Making lasting changes this New Year!

Lasting Changes

This is the time of year that we all get back on the healthy living way of thinking,

But why do we end up restarting every year, why isn’t it just something we do naturally after all most of us have been concerned with our diet and fitness for years,

Here we take a look at little things that may make those changes last this time.

Remember creating any change can be challenging, and you are not alone,

Step 1 – Find clarity.

The very first thing you need to do is get very clear on what you are trying to achieve. Remember to make it S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timed) what ever your goal it should mean something to you and not be wishy-washy, not just I want to lose weight, I want to eat better,  You can all ways set new goals as you move along. Out line your goal, how are you going to achieve it. I.e. this week I will cook every meal from scratch – or I will keep a food dairy the point is to continue these steps then add to them.

Step 2- Motivation

Once you know what you want, its time to pull on the big girl (boy) pants look really deep into yourself and ask yourself WHY? Why do you want what you want, the reason has to be compelling enough to get you through the sticky patches, that’s why has to be truly relevant and personal to you, it is no good trying to lose weight for a partner, or eating better because you know you should be.

There will be days when motivation isn’t enough it will be sheer will power, saying no to that cake, or just dragging yourself out of bed to exercise. That’s when forming new habits will really kick in.

Step 3 – Remove blocks,

Unfortunately, we are all realistic and we know it won’t be plain sailing, obstacles will always get in the way when you are trying to accomplish something new, or change the way you do something. Typically these can be external blocks when changing your lifestyle, It maybe negative people, who don’t understand what you are trying to achieve, even breaking old habits, maybe there is a little café you met your best friend in and it’s not the healthiest p-lace in the world, change it go somewhere else with better choices.

However, they can also be internal blocks, feeling you aren’t worth it, why bother, Keep giving yourself positive affirmations, you are worth it and you will do it.

It maybe a block that is as simple as a food craving, maybe you have a really sweet tooth, or are a crisp lover, have alternatives on hand so you are prepared.

Whatever your block or obstacle maybe try and figure it out and strategize ways to overcome them.

Step 4 – Mindset.

You really have to look at what your brain is telling you, are you thinking like the sort of person who will achieve their goals. If you keep thinking the same way you always have, you are liable to fall into the same traps you always have. Doing things, the same way you always have will just create more of the same. Consider who you may feel long term, is there something you will really miss, is there a way of replacing it, or giving yourself permission to have a little now and again, put yourself in the mind set of someone who has, or is achieving their goals, are you thinking like they would? Put yourself into their mindset, that is how you will truly achieve your aims.

Step 5 – Plan

Now you have gone through the first 4 steps; it is time to sort a plan and action it. Thinking ang hoping will get you nowhere, think about that plan carefully, what would help you achieve your goal.

·        Meal plan and stick to it.

·        Compile a list of health “go to” recipes you know you will love and always keep the ingredients in so you can make them

·        Find a workout buddy someone to help you stay on track.

·        Invest in a fitness tracker something to make your goal more measurable.

·        Write a journal, how are you feeling each day, what works what doesn’t, so you have something tangible to look back at.

So that is my five steps to help you create, make and keep a change.

Just keep on keeping on, revisit your goals, check they are still S.M.A.R.T and eventually the plan will become a natural way of thinking, your mindset will become one of an achiever.

YOU GOT THIS!