How to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

So, you’ve made some resolutions and goals for the New Year. Maybe you decided to start a new fitness regime, head to bed a little earlier, or spend more time with your family. That’s awesome, but what happens when your goals are suddenly derailed by life, a month or so into the New Year? You knew something would get in the way eventually. How do you stay the course?

Stay strong and persevere. I was on a special meal plan for a cleanse when friends invited my husband and I to one of our favourite restaurants for their anniversary. My husband asked if I really wanted to go, because he thought it would be torture. I said I was sure – I didn’t want to miss it and it would be a good test of my mettle. I scoped out the menu online and then gave the restaurant a call to see how they could accommodate me. On the night of, I had a wonderful time with my friends and the kitchen served up a beautiful tasting menu to everyone, and even came up with some great veggie alternatives for me. I may not have had any grains, meat, fish or dairy, but I had a heck of a meal and felt special because of the extra effort they took for me. My willpower was definitely pushed to the limits during the final course – dessert – but I was proud of myself for sticking to it.

It’s all about the planning. There are always special occasions on the horizon that threaten to sabotage your goals. Don’t let them. Take control and plan ahead. Also, realize that you may not be able to stick to your goal every time, but that’s okay. If a holiday comes up and I don’t think I can stay with my plan, I allow for a cheat night and go back to my program the next day. You need to be flexible if you want to commit to your new resolution for the long run.

Setbacks are okay. I signed up for a session of spin classes to help me stay conditioned for summer riding and was stoked to go spinning with a friend every week. It’s Thursday morning and I’m feeling good about staying on track for week three. I have my bike gear on and I’m getting the kids going – prodding them out of bed. My daughter says she’s sick. Argh, this is not good, the kid is going to kybosh my new routine! Can’t she get sick on Wednesday instead? But I need to adjust, I can’t let missing the odd class affect my motivation. Family events, illnesses and more can take you off course, but they are just little blips in the grand scheme of things.

When life gets in the way of your goals, don’t panic. Just get back on that horse again and keep your eye on the prize.

By Kristen Wint