There is nothing wrong with a “New Year, New Me” mindset, just be sure to plan and execute.
January marks the first month of a brand-new calendar year, and it’s during this time we make heartfelt promises to ourselves to do or be better in the upcoming year. We make plans for weight loss goals, better sleep, and healthier diets, and even ways to support our mental health. All of these are critical investments of our time and dedication. Given our already strained schedules, however, we may drop the ball where we need to land the best shots. There are ways to overcome these challenges, but you need a good plan. Keep reading for simple ways you can successfully achieve any goal, including the non-negotiables.
Small Steps Are Very Necessary
If you’ve ever worked on a big task or project, you’d know how overwhelming it can be to get started. The end results are clear but getting there may be a bit blurry. And if you do not have a solid plan in place, you may procrastinate or not even begin at all. A more reasonable way to land your goal is to start with the smaller steps and plan to bigger. For instance, when you walk up a flight of stairs, you don’t start at the top step; instead, you must climb each stair to get to your destination and landing goals are no different. Here is a 10-step guide to help plan and reach your goals:
- Determine your goal and write it down.
- Confirm your goal target date.
- Plan strategies to achieve your goal.
- Create small tasks around your strategies.
- Create deadlines for your tasks.
- Create reminders.
- Start and complete your first task, and then the next one immediately after; continue.
- Keep your Goal in front of you.
- Meet your goal.
- Measure success, then repeat and start on your next goal.
Non-negotiable Lifestyle Goals
There are 12 months in a calendar year and many new opportunities to meet the bigger goals. However, there are lifestyle goals that should be met daily, and these should aim to become health practices. As mentioned in the opening paragraph, we tend to make resolutions that will help us feel better, and these grand declarations should absolutely be at the forefront. You will not be able to accomplish any goal if you are not well enough to do so, therefore you must keep these health targets at the top of your list. These are 5 lifestyle goals you should work on each day:
- Sleep quality – practice good sleep habits (at least 6 to 8 hours each day/night).
- Mental Health – keep a clear, stress-free mind as much as possible. Take nature walks once a day or meditate for at least 10-15 minutes during your day.
- Healthy diet – plan your day with healthy food in mind. Include raw veggies, fruits, and snacks packed with lean protein. Reevaluate your relationship with food and use food more for fuel vs. enjoyment.
- Supplementation – Your body does not produce the necessary vitamins and minerals for overall good health and so you must get them from a diet of healthy foods. Because of this, it is important to supplement where you may not be getting micronutrients from what you consume. (1)
- Exercise – do not focus on losing weight, concentrate on lifestyle. Plan to exercise for at least 60 minutes a day (high intensity low impact exercise). Once this becomes a habit including all the above, your weight loss goals should be met.
The Right Tools Equals Success
With accomplishing any goal, it is important that you have the right tools to get the results you need. Planning and preparation will help keep you on track and your goal in sight. As an example, if your goal is to accomplish a rather large project, perhaps dedicate a notebook or binder to map out your plans. Allocate an area in your home to work on your project mapping so that your tools are always within reach. This area should be away from any distractions, like televisions, high traffic areas or a bedroom where you may be inclined to lay down.
For lifestyle goals, planning should be simple uncomplicated steps to help form great healthy habits:
- Better Sleep Quality: determine factors that may be keeping you awake. If it’s too noisy when you go to bed, turn off TVs or radios, and rest in a quiet room. If it’s too silent, explore sound apps or machines to assist with sleeping.
- Good Mental Care: review a time during your day where it’s less busy and plan for a 15-minute walk or 10-15 minutes of meditation. Set an alarm for each day!
- Buy Healthier Foods: replace highly processed, high sugar or salty products on your grocery list with healthier options. Try new healthy foods you’ve never eaten before – you may find something you like.
- Get Wholesome Nutrients and Minerals: it may be necessary to use supplements to help in areas where you need it most, and this is perfectly fine. Just be sure you are using a brand that stands on high quality, science, and good manufacturing practices. If you’re looking for a phenomenal product line that covers your needs, visit nutraMetrix, and a great way to start is with the nutraMetrix Nutri-Physical.
- Exercise Every Day: whether it’s high or low impact, exercise for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day. Stand more when you can and invest in an exercise or step tracker. Per the doctor, remember to aim for at least 10K steps per day. (2)
Whatever your plans are, remember your “why” you’re doing it, and keep it personal. Strive for the best version of you, and this means preparing yourself for success. Add action behind your goals and step into the New Year ready to accomplish all you set out to do.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.