Small steps equal the best results
Small steps equal the best results
The most common New Year’s resolutions most of us make are to eat better, get ‘in shape’ or exercise more – but does it ever happen?!
I often see people start the year with good intentions, laser-like focus and determination to be healthier but as the weeks roll by and the busyness of the year kicks in, motivation can dwindle and things just go back to the way they were.
Well, not this year folks! I think the secret to success when it comes to being healthy is starting with small changes you can be consistent with and maintain. Don’t overwhelm yourself with pressure, unrealistic goals and feeling like you have to thrash yourself to get results.
Here are 5 things I suggest you try each and every week this year which will help set you up on you journey to healthier, happier living with long-term benefits.
1. Set yourself one, realistic goal each week
Rather than overwhelm yourself with massive targets for the whole year, which can often be hard to achieve, why not try setting yourself one, small, ACHIEVABLE goal at the start of each week. It is good to start with the end in mind when you are setting your goal.
How do you want to FEEL at the end of the week and what is the one thing that could help you feel like that?
Want to feel more energised? Your goal for the week can be to be in bed by 9pm.
Want to feel fitter? Why not commit to a daily walk every morning?
Keen to feel more connected? Make it your goal to call two friends this week.
2. Find great ways to keep yourself on track with your healthy habits
Whether you are trying to eat better, sleep more, be more active or mindful this year, relying on willpower to keep you on track is unlikely to work. Willpower is like a muscle that wears out as the week goes on or you get tired as the day goes on.
There are heaps of apps these days that can help keep you on track to get signed up for some inspiration, check out some ideas here.
If you are more of a pen and paper person, then my planner is ideal to help you set a goal, create healthy habits and keep motivated and on track.
Make your health a genuine priority and give yourself time to reflect and plan (meals, exercise, self-care) so your healthy habits stick…
3. Plan your meals and keep it simple
Without a doubt, this is the easiest and most effective way to help make sure you are eating well. A rough plan of what you will be eating for your evening meals, what lunches you are having and what healthy snacks you need to buy, can make all the difference when it comes to making healthy happen.
Keep it simple, snacks and meals don’t need to be complicated to be healthy. Learn the basics of balanced nutrition and have healthy nutritious whole foods available in your pantry and fridge so the salty, sugary processed foods you’re trying to avoid are not there to tempt you. You’ll soon get used to not eating them and feel so good you no longer want them!
Here is some useful info and a video where I share my top tips for fuelling yourself with a nutritionally balanced lunch, and here are loads of healthy snack ideas if you need them.
If you want to try just one new recipe a week, then it’s not too overwhelming and within a few months you’ll have new meal in your everyday repertoire. It is a good idea to have a set night of the week to try the new recipe so you create a routine, say a Saturday night when you maybe have more time than mid-week! Need new inspiration for what to cook, check out our recipes here.
4. Surround yourself with the right people who make you feel good
Some people make you feel good and lift you up, others – drag you down. Aim to consciously spend more time each week with people who support your goals, dreams and passions. If you feel like you haven’t found your tribe yet, maybe this year is the perfect time to join a group or community of like-minded people who share a common interest – be it photography, pottery or tennis! Feeling connected is vital for our mental wellbeing.
5. Be kind to yourself
“Be careful how you talk to yourself, you are listening”
There is only one YOU! You might not look quite how you want to, be where you want to be in your life or have what you want to have yet, but you are amazing just the way you are. Make a commitment this year to check in with your ‘self-talk’. We say things to ourselves in our head that we would never say to a friend or someone we care about.
Check out my ‘It’s a beautiful day’ planner which will help you create healthy habits that last this year. You will stay motivated and focussed with the weekly action points, and the meal planner pages will help you get organised. The planner also includes easy, healthy snack ideas and recipes to have on hand when you need some inspiration.
Here’s to a great year ahead for you!
Claire x
