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The new year is getting closer. Thankfully, some might think. As things currently stand, though, large parts of our lives in 2021 will continue to be shaped by the pandemic. Nonetheless, the turn of the year is a good moment for New Year's resolutions.
Usually, New Year's resolutions don't survive January. Most of the time, they fail because we take on too much and expect fast changes in our lives. When those don't happen, motivation fades. This year, the Corona pandemic added an extra factor that made it harder to actually follow through on New Year's resolutions.
But as the saying goes, new year, new luck! In this blog post, you'll learn how to successfully turn your 2021 New Year's resolutions into action, despite Corona.
Keeping your New Year's resolutions despite the challenges
2020 was an incredibly challenging year for all of us. Even though there were many opportunities for personal growth, many of us have been affected economically and/or in terms of health (mentally as well as physically) by the Corona pandemic.
In many ways, we can look forward to soon being able to look back on 2020. New Year's resolutions give you a great opportunity to look ahead positively, leave your past behind, and make 2021 a great year.
Due to the restrictions in place to contain the pandemic, many people have picked up bad habits. We work and live at home, the lines between our private and professional lives blur. Along with the restrictions came a lack of movement, and often poor nutrition too, plus a pound or two extra. You know what I'm talking about?
Then the turn of the year is the ideal time to get rid of your bad habits. Are you wondering how to motivate yourself and manage to reach your goals despite Corona?
How to actually stick with it and reach your goals in 2021
Do you want to exercise more, eat healthier, lose weight, quit smoking, drink less alcohol and/or feel less stressed?
Setting goals is one thing. Actually reaching them is another. Here's how you can follow through on your New Year's resolutions:
1. Set smaller goals
If you take on too much and expect fast changes that don't arrive as quickly as you'd like, you'll likely lose motivation. Resolutions like improving your health, changing your diet, losing weight, building muscle, reducing stress, and so on, can't simply be achieved overnight. Goals like these need time and continuous effort.
If you break your goals down into smaller stages and plan exactly how you'll reach them, the chances that you'll actually follow through on your plans are higher. I'm happy to support you in personal training Zurich in defining your goals, and I'll create a training plan for you, structured into short-, medium- and long-term training goals.
2. Know your why
Why did you make this resolution? What drives you to exercise more? To reach your goals, it's essential that you find a deeper meaning and know why you want to create your new self. If your why is big enough, it's easier to stick with it. Once you're clear on why you're doing something, you're capable of accomplishing anything.
3. Keep your goals in front of you every day
Keep your goals constantly in view and visualize how you've already achieved them. Visualizing your goals is a very effective motivation technique used by many athletes.
When you visualize, you play an inner film in your head and see yourself as if you've already reached your goal. You immerse yourself so deeply that you experience the feeling of already being your new self. The image of yourself and the positive feelings you experience while visualizing settle into your subconscious with regular repetition and motivate you to change your actions in a positive way.
4. Actively reduce stress
World events, the restrictions and uncertainties that come with them, are stress factors on top of the everyday stress from work and personal life. These days, it's more important than ever to actively counter stress with relaxation methods and to build mental strength. Prolonged and recurring stress is toxic for body and mind.
Positive change grows from a positive mindset. To turn negative thoughts and emotions into positive ones, you can actively reduce stress with these powerful methods, among others:
- Take a conscious digital detox
- Spend time in nature
- Practise breathing exercises
- Move your body and exercise
- Relax with yoga
- Relax with progressive muscle relaxation or
- Meditation
5. Move from wanting to doing
Start with your first step. If you want to change your life for the better, you need to take action and leave your comfort zone. Ask yourself: what's stopping me from starting right now? Planning and visualizing alone won't get you to your goals. You're only one step away from change. Take that step now, and then take one after another.
Keeping your New Year's resolutions in personal training, despite the crisis
We're going through a global crisis that has brought many changes with it. That can make it difficult to follow through on New Year's resolutions. But you can also use the crisis and the new year as an opportunity to boost your motivation and keep it up sustainably.
In personal training, which can take place in person or virtually, I support you in reaching your defined goals. With me as your motivator, you're never on your own. Sign up now for a free 30-minute consultation.