With holidays soon a distant memory, and the kids back to school, routines prevail once more. Now is the time to set some health goals.
Nutritionist and Good Habits founder Carole Holditch explains, “It’s a simple fact - when people have goals to guide them, they are happier and achieve more than they would without them. Goals provide focus. With no guiding vision or plan, people tend to drift. Goals provide a measuring stick for progress; they enhance productivity and bolster self-esteem. Most of all, goals increase commitment, so you are more likely to achieve whatever you set out to conquer”.
While it is not a good idea to try to change everything at once, you can set goals in virtually any domain of your life, from your weight to your wardrobe to your workplace. Of course, a thousand-mile journey starts with the first small step. Whether embarking on a weight loss journey, the trek of a mid-life career switch or the walk to the bedroom to finally organise that cupboard, it can be hard to gather the motivation to take the initial step. While setting goals is in itself motivating, sometimes it is just not enough. There are tried-and-true ways to begin a move towards achieving those goals - and how to maintain resolve when the going gets tough.
Put your goals in writing
The act of writing down what you are going to do is a strong motivator. Writing down goals prevents you from leaving them vague. Be specific, use action verbs and let your goals have measurable outcomes. Specify completion dates and record what your reward will be for achieving the goal. Make a contract with yourself, and then read it every day. This will help you to be more committed to your goal as each day passes.
While you have that pen in your hand...
Make a list of obstacles
Think of everything that might stand in your way. Then decide what you can do about each obstacle. Design a plan to reduce the influence of each obstacle and increase the chances that you will be successful in reaching your goal.
You might recognise that takeaway meals are hindering your weight loss. Deciding to plan your weekly meals and shopping to ensure you have healthy food in the fridge is one way to overcome this obstacle.
List the benefits of achieving your goal
Knowing exactly what you will gain from reaching your goal is a strong motivator. For example, walking a mile every morning will help me concentrate better at work. Losing weight will help me feel more confident about myself.
Identify sub goals
Break down complicated plans into manageable chunks. Be specific about what has to be accomplished. Decide what you are going to do and when. Make sure each step is challenging but achievable, and that you have a complete action plan. Then write it on your calendar and review it regularly. Remember, even if you have several stones to lose, you should still aim for a loss of 1-2lbs per week.
Learn what you need to learn
If information or skill is keeping you from achieving your goals, determine ways to fill in the gaps and build this into your action plan. Be willing to study and work hard to reach your goals. Think about how much time and effort will be required and ask yourself whether you are really willing and able to do what is necessary. Is it better to adjust your goals or your timetable than to proceed with a plan that is unrealistic?
Enlist the help of others
Find someone, a colleague or friend, with whom you share a common goal. Get someone to go to the gym with you, or to share healthy meals with you. A partner can help you stay committed and motivated. Look for role models, people who have already achieved the goals you seek to reach. Ask them for advice and suggestions. Find how they got where they are and incorporate what you learn into your plan.
Visualise yourself having achieved each of your goals
The more real you can make your visualisation, the better. Go through magazines and cut out pictures that represent your goal and put them where you can see them. Provide reminders to yourself about what you are working towards.
Get organised
When you are prepared and organised, you will feel better about your ability to reach your goals.
Have all the information you need in one place
Keep meal plans in a folder and add weekly shopping lists to this folder. If you need to, keep all your healthy foods on a separate shelf so you know where to go when you want a snack. This will help you feel in control.
Reward yourself each step of the way Let yourself feel good about progress you have made. Treat yourself to rewards that will give you a lift as you accomplish each step on your road to success.
For more information, visit www.goodhabitsuae.com.