It’s a new year, which means new goals, new opportunities, and new experiences. But what if you find yourself in a place where you’re not really excited about these possibilities? Instead of motivated to pursue any type of goal, including fitness goals, you’re feeling stuck and unmotivated.
First, you’re not alone. And if you’re even slightly interested in reestablishing a consistent fitness routine, now is a great time to get started. And here are a few tips on how you can find some motivation in the new year:
1. Create Specific, Realistic, Measurable Goals
Three factors that can affect both your motivation and the success of your goals are specificity, realistic expectations, and measurability. Start the new year by setting goals that are clearly defined. Instead of a goal like “get more fit,” define what “more fit” will look like in the new year. Then, make sure that you’re setting realistic expectations. You want to set the bar high enough to be a challenge, but not so high that it’s impossible to reach. And third, make sure that your goal is measurable. You need a way to gauge your progress. Rather than setting a goal to “lose weight,” set a goal to “lose XX pounds” by a specific date, whether that’s the end of the year or not.
2. Find People Who Will Help and Support You
Once you have your fitness goals for the new year, start recruiting a team that will keep you motivated over the next few months. Share your goals with close friends and family members, and let them in on what you’re working toward. Having a support system to help you with accountability and tackling obstacles as they arise can make a huge difference in maintaining your level of motivation and getting results.
3. Prioritize Your Goals
It’s possible that you end up with a few different goals that span various areas of your life – fitness, relationships, career, etc. While it’s great to be ambitious, we only have so much time, energy, and willpower as humans. Spreading yourself too thin can actually lead to an even bigger drop in your motivation, and you won’t be driven to complete any of your goals. So take some time to think about your priorities and focus on the goals that are most important to you right now. Then make a plan for how you will achieve success in the future.
If you’re ready to get back on track and achieve your fitness goals in the coming year, contact a staff member at the YMCA of Greater Whittier. We’re here to help you push through obstacles and achieve success!
