It’s that time of the year — the time of year when we are all talking about our New Years Resolutions.  Eating better, being better people, spending more time with loved ones, and getting to the gym flood our minds, to do lists, and social media accounts.  But the reality is that only 8% of people who make resolutions actually achieve them.  That means the majority of us fail to keep our resolutions. Don’t let that keep you from setting them! I have 5 tips to help you stick to your resolutions and achieve your fitness goals in 2017.

1. Write them down and hang them where you can see them.
Research says that if you write it down, you are more likely to follow and achieve your goals. Writing it down makes it seem real. So, write down your resolutions. Post them where you can see them so that you are constantly reminded of what you want to accomplish. Put them in your car, plug them in your phone, or hang them on your mirror or fridge.

2. Bring a buddy!
There is a great African proverb that says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” That applies to setting and achieving our New Year’s resolutions. If you want to stick with your resolutions, find a friend to help you. Find a friend who won’t listen to your excuses and will help push you towards your goals. We are all stronger and better with a trusted friend beside us.

3. Increase your daily movement and get more sleep.
These things don’t seem like the your typical resolution material, but the truth is that both of them set you up for better success with your goals.  Increase your daily movement by taking the stairs, parking further away, walking while you talk on the phone, or standing up at your desk to get your water bottle. This helps you increase your metabolism and burn more calories through the day. We usually forget how important sleep is, but it is one of the most important part of our health. The benefits are so great, it would take a separate article to write them all.  Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a day for optimal health and focus as you tackle your goals.

4. Add in more fruits and veggies.
There is a direct correlation to our energy levels and what we eat. Think of your body as a car- if you want it to run its best, you put in high quality fuel. Same with us, when we put good foods in our body, we feel and “run” better. Aim for a variety of colors. Support your goals with high energy levels this year!

5. Attach value and meaning to your goals.
It’s really easy to make a goal such as “I want to lose 50 pounds.” But, when the chocolate cake comes around… well, chocolate cake sounds really good. Attaching value to your goals, such as, “I want to lose 50 pounds so that I can play with my grandkids,” allows us to have something better to hold up to chocolate cake. Now, when you see chocolate cake, you can think of playing with your grandkids and then chocolate cake seems a little less important.

Making resolutions and sticking to them is a difficult thing. A few simple additions to your life can help set you up for success in 2017. Good luck…. You got this!!

Amanda Mercer is a Master Trainer, an advocate for healthy living, and the Owner of THRIVEfitt, LLC.

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