How to Stay Motivated for 2018

This time of year we all set new year's resolutions and want a fresh start. As long as we set our minds to the goals we want to accomplish, we can accomplish whatever we want! Many of us set goals of health and fitness in the new year and I have listed a few ways to stay motivated in the new year!

1. Set attainable goals for yourself and write them down!

Starting with smaller goals keeps us confident so we are able to work towards our bigger goals with time. Often, we will start with large goals that we expect to see results of immediately, but changes take time. I also find that writing your goals down is important because we feel more accountable and can physically look back at the promises we made.

2. Plan ahead!

If you have work or classes from 9am-4pm, then plan your workouts around that time. If you plan to workout in the mornings, have your gym bag ready to go and an outfit picked out so you have less work to do in the morning. Once again, it is great to write your plans down in a planner... and then you can cross them off once completed!

3. Make it FUN!

Working out should be something you enjoy doing, like going on a bike ride, long walks with the pup, weight training, or grabbing a friend for a HIT workout! If the workout is something you enjoy doing it will be a lot easier to stick with it! Just because you read that running is the best way to burn calories doesn't mean it is the only way to burn a bunch of those buggers.

4. Ask a friend to help keep you accountable!

It is so much easier to stay at home on your couch and watch Netflix if the only person you have to convince is yourself, but if someone else is counting on us, we will feel obligated to join them. It is also more fun working out with a buddy by your side! Keep each other in good spirits even if you may have missed a day or two.

5. Take time to enrich your spiritual life.

This doesn't mean you have to be religious, but maybe start a journal, go for a walk, or meditate by taking time to focus on yourself. I, personally, enjoy time in prayer and reading the Bible. This time should give you a sense of peace and should not be done hastily.

6. Feed yourself with whole nutrients!

Your body craves natural foods not processed junk. The healthier you eat, the healthier you will feel. The cake, pizza and cookies may sound delightful in the moment, but an hour afterwards you will feel lethargic, whereas our fresh fruits, veggies, proteins, and healthy fats keep us energized throughout the day. This is not to say that you should completely avoid the foods you love, just in moderation :)

7. Don't compare yourself to others.

Everyone has a different background and comparing yourself to anyone else does not get you any closer to your goals. More often than not, comparing ourselves to others fills our minds with negativity directed at us. Instead, focus on your achievements and areas you can improve in!

8. Give yourself a pat on the back!

Don't forget to take a break, enjoy some of your favorite foods and Netflix shows! If you constantly push yourself and never give your body a chance to recover, you will wear yourself out and it won't be enjoyable. Naturally, when things aren't enjoyable for us, we will stop doing them.

I hope these ideas help you stay motivated for the new year and remember not to be discouraged if there are a few hiccups along the way. We are all human in the end!