I like January. It’s a time to reset, re-evaluate, reassess and some other R words that please those who like alliteration. It feels exciting to think that this time next year, how much better things could be.

Whilst it feels good to have an opportunity to think about how you’d like this year to be different, we can also set ourselves up for failure. I’ve often set myself lofty goals like reading War and Peace by Tolstoy, only to realise I have a son who likes to jump on me as if I were a trampoline. I’ll stick with the Ladybird books for now.

Your Goals are too Big:

A lot of people I talk to have a fear of setting goals for the year because they have failed before. When I have asked them what their goals had been, they would always be too big and vague. “Lose weight” is a common one but there are so many things involved with that goal, there’s no wonder it failed. 

Try a New Approach:

It is amazing how many times we try the same thing, and expect a different result. If something hasn’t worked consistently, now’s the time to try a different approach.

What if you didn’t focus on losing weight? I know, it’s a crazy thing to say! What if you focused on some other measure which had more positive associations? In the gym for example, focusing on increasing reps, sets, the weight on the bar, improving your recovery between sets. Outside of the gym it could be eating smaller portions consistently, step count, eating mostly whole foods etc. It’s a change in focus which still will have the desired result you’re looking for, but instead of being impatient and just staring, poking and prodding your belly, you’re integrating healthy habits which is what you were lacking in the first place.

Sure, take measurements of your body, but once you have your starting point, put them away and choose your healthy habit of choice and stick with it until it becomes a habit. You’ll not only lose body fat but the habit you’ve integrated will have other benefits in your life. For instance, if you decide to take a daily walk, you’ll also benefit from fresh air, connecting with nature (or concrete depending on where you live), time to think, improved circulation, weight management, stress relief (unless you tread on a dog poo).

So, in summary: pick your goal, break it down in achievable steps and consider changing the measure you’re focusing on so that you’re more likely to achieve your goal over the year.

If you need any help with goal setting, get in touch,

Best of luck!