How many years have your resolutions been to whip your body into shape, attempt to make better grades and, none the less, get your life together? Me, too. Typically this phase of transformation lasts only a few weeks until you give up and hope that maybe next year it will be easier. Bad news, it won't. If we are so adamant about making these improvements, then why haven't we been successful yet? Our problem is that we make resolutions that set us up for failure year after year. I've created four small adjustments that can make a huge difference in achieving your New Year's resolutions once and for all!
1. Less is more.
The reason we are so quick to give up on our resolutions is because we like immediate results. Losing weight is always on the top of my list every year. Who doesn't want to look and feel fabulous? The problem here is that our resolution is directed at changing ourselves, but not focused on changing our lifestyle. The trick is to alter the way we see this goal. Instead of making the resolution to lose weight, we can make it to go the gym three times a week, drink more water, or even only ordering Campus Calzone once on the weekends (sad, but highly effective). This is much more obtainable than "look like Kendall Jenner by spring break." Am I right, ladies?
2. Slow and steady wins the race.
If you are like me and everyone else in the world, there is probably more than just one thing you would like to change about yourself. This is another big red flag when trying to be successful with New Year's resolutions. Looking over my list, I counted ten resolutions that I created for myself. Changing 10 things at such a short notice is a lot to ask, don't you think? The key to being successful here is to make one resolution at a time. Once you've overcome that resolution, you can work on the next one!
3. Make it "FB official."
OK, don't actually put it on Facebook—that's obnoxious—but go public about the changes you want to make in your life! By letting people know you are making these improvements, you are holding yourself accountable. This way, maybe next time your roommates go to Cookout, they won't bring home an extra milkshake, causing you to give up on your new healthy lifestyle. To be successful you need support! So get by with a little help from your friends!
4. Treat yo self.
Who doesn't like being rewarded for their hard work? No one. If incentives are added into the mix, it will motivate you to keep going. Maybe buy yourself a new pair of leggings for successfully making it to the gym every day that week. And for the people (like me) who can barely afford the cover at PBs, treat yourself to a day of doing nothing but binge watching your favorite Netflix show. Whatever it is, reward yourself because you deserve it and hard work needs to be celebrated!
Giving up things you love is hard (pizza, bacon, etc.) but remember that everything is hard before it becomes easy! Start small with your goals and work your way up! Slow progress is better than no progress. Most importantly, stop making excuses for yourself. I am the queen of these. I will literally justify skipping the gym because of the slight chance that I could win the Powerball one day and just buy myself an expensive trainer. That is a one in 292 million chance... So don't wait around for a miracle to happen or for you to get a sudden urge to turn your life around. Every day is a clean slate, so what better day to start than today?
