Every new year, we often set ambitious goals like losing weight, eating healthier, exercising daily, starting new activities, quitting smoking, or drinking less alcohol. But think back—weren't these the same goals you set last year and the year before that? What went wrong?"

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Common pitfalls

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In the first few weeks of the new year, some people start working towards their goals. But then, life happens—a bad day, unforeseen distractions and suddenly, focus is lost. Other priorities take over, derailing the initial plans.

Often, we emphasise the destination rather than the journey. Seeing others achieve the same goals faster can lead to self-doubt and pressure, making us more likely to give up when progress isn't quick enough. Months pass, and we find ourselves no better off than before, asking, "Where did I go wrong?"

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The reality of change

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Trying to make drastic lifestyle changes quickly often leads to failure. Many of us are impatient and want immediate results, but meaningful change takes time. Everyone's journey is unique and the only person you should compare yourself to is yourself.

Remember those times you decided to cut out all soft drinks, chocolates, cakes, chips, go on a strict diet, and exercise every day? It probably didn't last long. You might have started strong, but an injury, a late night, or a tempting treat at work quickly threw you off track. This cycle sets you up for failure.

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Patience and persistence

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Years of unhealthy living can't be undone in a few weeks or months. Reversing damage takes time and there are no magic solutions. Don't get discouraged. The key is to avoid overwhelming yourself with too many changes at once.

It's easier to create new habits than to break old ones. Start by understanding why your habits exist. Once you know how a habit was formed, you can work on replacing it with a healthier one.

 

By following these steps, you can create lasting positive changes and develop healthy habits that support your overall well-being.

 

Start small

 

Begin with small, achievable goals to build momentum and confidence.

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Instead of saying, "I want to exercise more," set a specific goal like, "I will exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week, for the next month."

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Treat your fitness routine like a daily task, just like showering or brushing your teeth. You just get up each day and do it. Soon, it becomes second nature and you automatically start doing it.

 

Set a goal

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Select one habit at a time, one month at a time.

 

The key to forming long-lasting habits is to apply only one habit at a time, one month at a time, so that you’ll be able to focus all your energy on creating that one habit.

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Think of replacing one unhealthy habit with one new healthy habit and then after one month, when this feels like it has become part of your daily routine, you can then replace another unhealthy habit.

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Start by reducing soft drink consumption from three to one per day, then gradually decrease to once a week.

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If you want to start exercising, don't try to go for an hour every day, just aim for 15 minutes every day and do that consistently for one month. Do it, even if you're feeling tired or unmotivated. Don't wait for the perfect moment or feeling, take action now, even if it's a small step. Every small step you take is progress towards your goal. Then gradually build this up over time. Remember to include rest days in between so you don't fatigue and burn out.

 

Celebrate achieving each goal to boost motivation and momentum.

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Make a plan

 

Break down your goal into actionable steps.

 

Determine what actions you need to take to achieve your goal and create a plan outlining how you will incorporate these actions into your daily or weekly routine.

 

If your goal is to eat healthier, plan meals ahead of time, meal prep for the week, shop for nutritious foods and cook at home to eat healthier.

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Get to work

 

Start implementing your plan.

 

Take consistent, focused action towards your goal, even if progress feels slow at first. Even small progress is progress. Keep moving forward.

 

Stick to it

 

Stay committed to your plan, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks.

 

It's normal to encounter challenges along the way, but staying consistent and resilient will help you overcome them. Find strategies to stay motivated, such as tracking your progress, rewarding yourself for milestones achieved, or seeking support from friends or family.

 

Reach that goal

 

Celebrate your achievements as you make progress towards your goal.

 

Once you reach your initial goal, acknowledge your accomplishment and reflect on what you've learned.

 

Set new goals and maintain healthy habits

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After reaching your initial goal, continue your journey by setting new goals or building on existing habits. Reflect on what worked well and identify areas for improvement. Remember, achieving fitness goals is a journey that requires patience and persistence. Start small, stay committed, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Stay positive and keep trying.

 

If a goal isn't working, adjust it. Your goals should enhance your life, not control it. Focus on the journey, not just the destination.

 

Start now.

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Work with us

 

Achieving your fitness goals starts with taking the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle. At Amore Fitness, we make it easy for you to get started, no matter your fitness level. Start your fitness journey with Amore Fitness. Contact us today.