5 Things to Ensure Accomplishing Your Health Goals

I believe my son was in 3rd grade when we were having a conversation about basketball and that if he desires to make more baskets during the games, then he needs to practice. The phrase, “practice makes perfect,” rolled off my tongue as if it were a knee-jerk reaction. And I guess it was.

But when my adorable son looked me square in the eye and said, “No Mommy, practice makes permanent,” I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped. Profound for a young boy and he was correct. His teacher had said that to the class and it stuck with him long enough to make an impact on me as well.

Perfection isn’t reality. But the choices we make day-by-day create habits. The more you practice the habit (whether healthy or unhealthy) the more permanent that habit becomes. Just like any routine (like brushing your teeth in the morning and before bed), it takes practice to make it “sticky” or permanent. I mean, do you really need to think about brushing your teeth now? No! You just do it.

Same is true with your other health habits. When you practice them daily and often, they become more of a permanent habit. They become “sticky.”

So, if you want to change…practice!

How can you ensure accomplishing your health goals?

First – Develop Habits.

Developing habits is the foundation to success. All things done well are things that have been done often. Don’t set a resolution of “I’ll try this diet or that” or “I’ll eat like this for a short amount of time…” Resolutions like that don’t last. Those are the resolutions that are never accomplished and are generally given up by February. They are “try versus do” mentality.

What do you do instead?

You must develop healthy habits. One way to begin this process is by visualizing and journaling goals and the progression of each one.

Pick one to three (although for some, three can be too many) habits that you desire to tackle. For instance, if you’re looking to lose weight – cutting out all sugary beverages would be a good start. It’s simple and realistic. And if you mess up, you haven’t ruined your whole year, you’re still learning. Just keep practicing until it becomes permanent.

Remember to keep your vision in front of you (along with your WHY) and the journaling active. It will help explain the triggers to your trip-ups when and if you have them.

Second – Develop a Routine.

Developing a routine will only enhance the habits that you’re creating. A routine will give you rhythm and provide a simple way to incorporate new habits when you want to begin adding a new one into your daily lifestyle.

My typical morning routine involves a breakfast of oats with berries with a few other “fixins” and this time usually becomes an extension to my time with the Lord. I go through my gratitudes and have great expectations for all that God has in store for the day. It’s where I plan out my day, but also knowing that God will direct my steps. I’m reminded that as I fuel my body with nourishment, He is the One that fuels my EVERYTHING!!

It’s nothing complicated, but it provides a platform for me to work from each day. A platform of truth.

I would love to tell you that I get my workout in right after, but honestly that wouldn’t be reality. My schedule and travel varies daily so my “appointment time” for my workouts are different each day as well – but that works for ME and I get it in. Sometimes (and often times) working my Visibly Fit workouts throughout my day. BUT, for you – might I suggest that you pick a specific time each day to workout until it becomes a permanent thing you do each day.

Third – Maintain Consistency.

This can be easier said than done, but when you develop consistency, your habits and your routine will stick, and vise-versa. (So much for what I admitted to in the previous paragraph 🙂 But, for most people – a set consistent time works BEST!!!)

Can you see how these habit steps can build off one another?

When you’re consistent, it provides a basis of support that you’re able to predict. People thrive when there is certainty and predictability. It also supports your mental health because when there is too much chaos, then discouragement and negativity can easily sneak in when you least expect it. Chaos often breeds more of the same.

Fourth – Mindset.

If you are not in the right mindset, you won’t accomplish what you set out to do. It doesn’t have to be a firm, “I’m doing this or else” type of a mindset, but it does need to be “locked in” with a greater WHY. A why that is greater than staying where you are.

You need to go into your resolutions and goals with a prepared heart. A heart that is ready for change, willing to make the commitment, and prepared to be okay if you stumble a little along the way. You just get back up and keep going. Process what made you slip (hence the journaling). Re-evaluate what happened, learn from it, move on, and stick to it again! Yes….practice! Practice makes permanent.

Fifth – Forgiveness.

Relating to having the right mindset, you must be willing to forgive yourself for past years of “not measured up” to your resolutions or successfully accomplishing your goals. If you hang on to the fact that you’ve never made it past February with your resolutions, you will again, not make it past February.

If you release the negative emotions about your attempts from previous years and forgive yourself of the disappointment and lack of discipline, you’ll be able to make it past February with a confident heart. Going into this new year with a decision to be disciplined will change everything. Discipline keeps you in the no excuse zone.

To ensure disciplined habits, take the first step today and schedule a breakthrough call with me to conquer your health goals this year – go to www.getvisiblyfit.com and schedule today!

Take 2019 into your hands, and begin the year with confidence (and support)!