Three Things You Should Never Do Close To The End of The Year

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