In 30+ days, it will
be 2018. Depending on how you have spent
the past few months, you’re either looking forward to more progress, beating
yourself up for having fallen off the wagon, or feeling stuck in a rut. If you’re in the last two categories, do not
despair. Why? Despair is a scam that
shouldn’t accompany you into 2018.
1. (Do Not) Make a New Year resolution
Don’t
do it. Don’t make that grand plan. Rather, make specific targets for fragments of
time. For example, you can make a target
for January. A good target can be to write down everything you consume
throughout the month of January. Not
only is this target useful, it’s strategic.
When you document all that you have eaten, I can assure you that you’ll
become more conscious of what you eat. Write
down what meals kept you fuller for longer.
Write the portions. Note the
meals that made you feel heavier.
Another specific target can be getting in three days of cardio per week, no excuses. This is sensible, because you already have
Saturday and Sunday that are work-free. Pick one other day during the week to ensure
you stick to your goal.
2. (Do Not) Make drastic changes
This
is not the time to make drastic changes.
There’s too much going on toward the end of the year. Family commitments, work commitments, travel
and holiday commitments, festivities, financial commitments, the New Year, and
so on. When there are lots of variables,
drastic changes only put unnecessary pressure that’ll sadden you if you don’t
live up to them. You can, however,
decide to be more cautious about your habits.
For example, if you have not been working out at all, this is not the
time to join #teamnodaysoff. Rather, you
can decide to look frankly at your schedule and see where you can fit in some
exercise, then gradually join #teamnodaysoff.
Ease into a new routine if you are keen on making changes before the end
of the year. Please don’t try to lose
20lbs by Christmas.
3. (Do Not) Throw the baby out with the bathwater
Don’t
despair, just because you’re not seeing changes any longer. If you’ve been consistent, or have made
changes but are not seeing results quickly enough, stay the course. Your body won’t be deceived – the changes
you’re making will show up in due course.
I’ve suffered from this, too.
When I feel that I’m not making progress, I switch up my food and
workouts. I incorporate more salads and soups into my meals. I also do more high intensity training as
opposed to my coveted long runs. When
all fails, I just stand. I stay the
course. You should, too. We will overcome.
till
next time,
anu
