As the New Year approaches, many embark on a journey of self-improvement through resolutions. The secret to making these resolutions stick lies in the transformative impact of health-focused goals. Let’s delve into how prioritizing your well-being can turn aspirations into sustainable habits for LIFE.
Shift from Aesthetics to Well-Being✨
Instead of fixating on appearance-based goals, redirect your focus to holistic well-being. Embrace the idea that a healthy body is a reflection of a nurtured and resilient self. And a healthy body looks different for every body.
Focusing on well-being encourages a balance between physical activity, healthy eating, quality sleep, mental health practices, and strong social connections.
Define Clear and Achievable Objectives👣
Outline specific health-focused goals that are realistic and attainable.
Create S.M.A.R.T. Goals with realistic objectives —
- Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve, not just a vague desire for “better health.” For example, instead of “be healthier,” set a specific goal of “strength train for 30 minutes 3 times a week.”
- Measurable: Establish how you will track progress overtime. Use numbers, milestones, or observable changes. For example, if you want to meditate for 30 minutes daily you can track that on a meditation app, like my favorite, Insight Timer.
- Attainable: Set realistic goals that challenge you, but are still achievable within your limits. Start small and build up from there so you can set yourself up for success and build momentum.
- Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your overall well-being aspirations and lifestyle. Don’t force yourself to follow someone else’s goals blindly. Set goals that truly work for you!
- Time-Bound: Set a realistic timeframe for achieving your goals. Break the goal down into manageable time-bound steps so you are not overwhelmed. For example, aim to read 2 nonfiction books in 30 days to work toward your goal of “reading more self-improvement books;” or to make it more specific, “read 20-24 self-improvement books this year.” You are breaking your overarching goal down into manageable, bite sized steps so you are not overwhelmed!
Establish a Strong Foundation💪
Build your resolution on a solid foundation of intrinsic motivation— cultivate a deep desire and intention to prioritize health, because you ARE the type of person that prioritize health and well-being.
Examples of intrinsic motivation:
- Passion for Physical Activity: Choose exercises that you genuinely enjoy. When you do an activity you love it is not a chore it is something you get to do and not have to do.
- Mindful Eating: Choose nutritious foods because they make you feel good and energized, not to just achieve a certain appearance.
- Stress Reduction through Meditation: Practice meditation and mindfulness to reduce stress and enhance mental well-being, driven by the deep desire for inner calm. I never skip my morning meditation even if I only have 5 minutes I make sure to do it, because I love how it sets the tone for my mood and well-being for the whole day.
- Personal Growth in Wellness Habits: Adapt healthy habits as a form of personal growth, driven by the desire and intention to lead a fulfilling life.
Integrate Physical, Mental, & Spiritual Health🤍
Recognize the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. I read recently in The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra: ”We’re not human beings that have occasional spiritual experiences—it’s the other way around: we are spiritual beings with occasional human experiences.”
Craft goals that encompass all aspects, fostering a holistic approach to well-being. For example, I teach my clients, and practice this myself, mindful strength training. I teach my clients to slow down, drop out of their heads and into their bodies as they lift and really feel their muscles working and from a place of non-judgment. I also encourage my clients to get outside and walk in nature to improve physical endurance but also for spiritual growth by connecting with the vastness of nature.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
As a self-proclaimed, “recovering perfectionist,” I can tell you from a lot of personal experience that this is KEY. Shift your mindset to celebrate each seemingly “small win,” as you embrace the journey and not the destination.
Striving for “perfection” is flawed from the start. We do not learn a new skill by instantly being “perfect” at it. All we can do is our best and as we continue to work on progress our best continues to get better and better.
Moreover, celebrating progress truly changes the whole game! It makes your goals exciting! It is about recognizing that this journey of well-being is a treasure trove of beautiful victories, learning experiences, and personal development and growth! It is about actually experiencing and living in the present moment, celebrating every step forward, and building a sustainable path towards a happier and healthier you.
Practice Mindful Reflection 📝
Regularly reflect on your health-focused goals, write down and acknowledge your achievements so far, and identify any areas of growth. Mindful reflection enhances self-awareness and reinforces your commitment to health and well-being.
Some ways to cultivate mindful reflection:
- Meditation: Taking even just a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath can create the space for introspection and clarity.
- Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings objectively and without judgment can help you identify patterns and gain insights into your motivations and challenges. I personally love to journal after meditating where I am open and able to be honest with myself.
- Spending Time In Nature: I cannot say enough about the importance of spending time in nature! Immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. This is a powerful way to quiet your mind and connect with your authentic self.
Adjust and Evolve🪷
Recognize that circumstances change, and so can your goals. Be flexible in adapting your health-focused resolutions to align with the evolving needs. Remember, sometimes the best course of action is to change the course entirely. Finally, cultivate a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities to learn and grow!
Conclusion
As we conclude this exploration of the significance of health-focused New Year’s resolutions, it is important to remember that it goes beyond merely setting goals and ticking boxes. It is about starting a personal revolution—a revolution of well-being! By prioritizing overall well-being, establishing clear objectives, and integrating all aspects of health and well-being, you not only ensure the success of your resolutions but also embark on a rewarding journey towards a healthier and happier version of yourself, that version of yourself that has always been there ready to flourish. Here’s to a New Year brimming with health, happiness, resilience, and the fulfillment of your wellness aspirations!
Coach Krissy Fitness 