setting yourself up for success- steps to achieving your goals.

How many times have you set a goal and not achieved it?  

Making the decision to change is just the start.  You have to know how to follow through.

You probably have already formed most of your habits and it is just easier and more natural for you to stick to the way you do things.

For example, you probably already have a morning routine, you get up at a certain time, drink your coffee, maybe check your phone. Now imagine you decide to add exercise or a healthy breakfast to that, most often you will do for a few days and then for whatever reason you are back to your original routine. 

Here are some steps to help you set yourself up for success:

1️⃣Start smaller – Focus on ONE SMALL habit at a time. This will be more manageable, leaving you motivated and not overwhelmed. If you make the decision to start exercising, don’t give yourself a goal of walking 5 miles per day at first.  Try a more manageable goal, like a short walk daily. 

2️⃣Tack on your new habit to an existing habit- Since you probably have certain routines or habits already formed, try tacking on to them.  For example, if you take lunch to work add vegetables to your meal or if you take your kids outside to play change into your gym clothes and do some simple exercises.

3️⃣Plan for obstacles- Make it easier for yourself to achieve a goal by having a plan for obstacles. For example, packing a gym bag from the night before, make healthy snacks easily accessible and if it rains and you can’t go for a walk have a backup at home workout plan.

4️⃣Be consistent and commit- Consistency is important when trying to create a habit.  So the more often you do something the faster a habit will form.  Also, habits take at least 21 days to form. So, commit to at least that amount of time.

5️⃣Create accountability- Tell your loved ones your goal and keep them updated with your progress.  You can even post your progress on social media (if you are comfortable).  Others holding you accountable encourages you to continue and make progress. 

6️⃣Reward yourself for progress- By rewarding yourself you are psychologically associating pleasure with completing a specific task.  Rewards can be simple but enjoyable. Examples can be a movie, a new exercise outfit, a new book or have a bubble bath.  💕

Melissa xxoo