How To Set Successful Resolutions

The New Year is just days away and, like most people, I've been thinking about new goals and reflecting on goals set years ago.

It's interesting to see the things that I was successful at achieving and the things I fell short of. It became even more interesting when I realized the differences in my successes and failures came down to 4 simple things:
•My "Why"
•My Plan
•My Support System
•Grace

The things I achieved, had a rock solid "Why" behind them. My superficial goals like "look good in a swimsuit" never really motivated me because I will, in fact, always choose a donut over a flat stomach. But, my goals like "Live Healthier" worked out because my "Why" was about my ability to do the things I love and setting a good foundation for my kid's health and self-image. The whole idea that your kids are always watching and learning from you, really helped me kick my butt in gear.

In addition to a solid motivator, my successful fitness goals always had help from professionals. The times I tried to come up with my own plan, I would fall flat. I spent more time questioning the plan and tweaking it than I did sticking with it. By working with a trainer and a macro coach who knew what they were doing I felt much more comfortable trusting the process, and results came faster.

I also was far more successful with my goals when I had a support system. If I'm being honest, I'm a settler. I like to stay in my familiar bubble, and I revert to old habits very easily. Luckily, I am friends with a lot of reachers who challenge me to work hard and not give-up. Without their pep talks, tough love, and accountability I know I wouldn't be as far in my progress as I am today.

But the last and most important difference between failure and success was the grace I showed myself. As I mentioned, I'm a settler. A backsliding, excuse-making, pity-party throwing, good-enough-is-good-enough, settler. When I slip and fall short of my expectations of myself, one of 2 things happens; I either get so mad at myself that I throw in the towel and quit, OR I show myself grace.
I allow myself that moment of weakness. I remind myself that a poor choice doesn't have to ruin my progress. I don't let my self-talk turn negative. Then I pick myself up and keep moving forward, because forward, even slowly, is how I get where I want to go.

So, to my fellow donut loving, comfort zone living, settlers, I hope something in this helps you in your 2019 journey.
You are worth every hour of time and every ounce of effort you put into your goals ❤

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