new year's resolutions are overrated

So here's the situation... It's February 1st, it's the weekend, the Super Bowl is tomorrow, and most people have let their 2020 New Year's resolutions go out the window. Folks are putting off their health goals because it's Saturday, because they have a Super Bowl party to attend, or because they haven't reached their goal to lose 20 pounds yet in the one month since 2020 started. Sound familiar? 

​I hope not.

What I mean by New Year's resolutions being overrated is that just because it's New Year's doesn't mean that it's the best time to set new goals and make a health change. It might be, but so could literally any other time of the year if you are ready for it and can commit to making it priority. For some, summer might be the best time to make a lifestyle change, because they are off of school and can structure their time around their health priorities. For others, maybe the summer is filled with backyard parties, baseball tailgates, and family vacations - might not be the best time for them to start a fitness journey. Maybe it's a better time for maintenance. Does that make sense? 

So what's the point here? 

Really, there Is no limit to how many times you can start a health journey. It doesn't matter! If you made resolutions, got sidetracked, and fell off the wagon, it's okay. What's stopping you from starting up again tomorrow? Maybe reassess your expectations a little bit if necessary, and create a new plan for how you're going to accomplish your goals. If a few months go by, and you get distracted by the business of life and things get hectic for a few weeks, again, it's okay. Start again. Pick up where you left off and keep moving forward. 

Need support in jump starting your goals? Learn more here.

Lack of success in the short-term does not have to derail your long-term progress. Falling off your routine one month into the year, does not mean that you have to wait until New Years rolls around again to make new resolutions, that's just silly. 

Not convinced? 

Think about it... We've all heard stories about or know someone who tried to quit smoking. They quit, and picked it back up. Then it happened again. Then a third time. Then somehow they finally quit for good. The same type of thing can happen with a health journey. Whether the goal is weight/fat loss, muscle gain, improved endurance, improved strength, you name it, there are going to be bumps in the road. The path to your goals won't always be linear, that's just the reality of it. 

The important thing is that you set yourself up for success. Make goals that are challenging enough to be motivating, but tangible enough to be realistic. Surround yourself with people and things that are supportive, rather than oppose what you are trying to accomplish. Perform action that align with your goals, and celebrate the little wins. There will be more on goal planning to come in a future post. 

For now, happy February resolutions everybody. If you have something that you are working toward post it in the comments below so that we can support you. Enjoy the game!