“New Year, New You!” You probably see this splattered all over your feed at the end of December and early January, trying to inspire you to finally keep up with that exercise regime, healthy eating routine, or quit one of your habits.
As we embark on this journey of self-improvement and holistic healing, setting healthy goals is often at the top of the list.
Each year, we’re prompted with 365 days ahead of us to settle on a goal for the year ahead, only to be uninspired a couple weeks or months later.
The challenge lies not only in establishing these goals but in maintaining the commitment to see them through.
In this guide, we will explore practical strategies to help you not only set realistic and attainable health goals for the new year but also provide actionable tactics to ensure you stay on track.
Reflect on the Past Year
Before diving into the excitement of setting new goals, take a moment to reflect on the past year. What worked well for you?
What challenges did you face?
Reflecting on your experiences can provide valuable insights into what goals align with your lifestyle and what adjustments may be necessary for success.
According to Positive Psychology, journaling “may create sufficient cognitive defusion–looking at thoughts rather than being in them–to create the separation needed to accept our feelings and commit to the changes we need to make.”
Set SMART Goals
One of the keys to building and maintaining healthy goals is to make them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Break down your overarching health goal into smaller, more manageable components.
For instance, if your goal is to improve your physical fitness, a SMART goal might be to walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week, for the next three months.
Make a List and Keep it Visible
Making a list or even a vision board of your resolutions and goals is a great way to keep them within your direct vision each day.
Imagine glancing at your fridge before grabbing a snack, your front door before hitting the gym, or your cupboard before you order takeout, and watch your progress unfold as you triumph over each goal.
Establish a Support System
Share your goals with friends, family, or colleagues who can provide support and encouragement.
Having a support system can make a significant difference in staying motivated.
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to having a roommate as well! They can be there in your house to directly support you and help keep you accountable for your goal.
You can also consider joining a fitness class, finding a workout buddy, or participating in online communities dedicated to your specific health goal.
Integrate Holistic Approaches
At the end of the day, our #1 goal is to be the healthiest versions of ourselves! No matter what your goal is for the year ahead, consider incorporating holistic approaches into your goals.
Explore mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, to enhance mental well-being. Emphasize a balanced and nutritious diet, ensuring your health goals encompass both physical and mental aspects.
Build Habits Gradually
Attempting radical changes overnight can lead to burnout. Instead, focus on building habits gradually.
Start with small, consistent changes that align with your overall goal. If your aim is to adopt a healthier diet, begin by incorporating one or two nutritious meals per day before making more significant adjustments.
Track Your Progress
Regularly monitor your progress to stay accountable. Utilize apps, journals, or even social media to document your achievements and setbacks.
Tracking your journey not only helps you stay on course but also allows you to celebrate your victories along the way.
Embrace Flexibility & Reward Yourself
Life is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. Rather than viewing them as failures, consider them opportunities to learn and adjust your approach.
Be flexible in adapting to unexpected challenges without derailing your entire plan. If your goal is to lessen your sugar intake, going cold turkey could make you binge on sugar after some days or weeks without it.
If you’re trying to stop drinking alcohol, try to swap out your alcoholic beverage of choice with one of these mocktails or a yummy chamomile lavender tea and treat yourself to one drink on the weekend to celebrate.
Give yourself some breathing room and allow yourself some flexibility in your goal so you can reward yourself once in awhile.
Stay Inspired
Maintaining enthusiasm throughout the year can be challenging.
Keep yourself inspired by regularly seeking new information, trying different activities, and connecting with like-minded individuals.
Attend workshops, read books, or follow social media accounts that align with your health goals.
Have you ever heard the saying, “You are the culmination of the five people you spend the most time with”?
It means that you want to surround yourself with people who are constantly striving to be better each day and also hold goals so together your clan of friends can all help and support each other.
Building and keeping up with healthy goals for the new year is a journey that requires commitment, self-reflection, and adaptability.
By setting SMART goals, establishing a support system, integrating holistic approaches, building habits gradually, tracking progress, embracing flexibility, rewarding yourself, and staying inspired, you can create a sustainable path to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
As you embark on this adventure, remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward a better and healthier version of yourself.
Cheers to a year of growth, resilience, and well-being!
