Have you been working hard since January to keep your 2023 fitness resolutions alive and on track? Are you starting to feel like you’re losing motivation, drive, or direction? You’re not alone.
Research has shown that as few as 10% of those who make New Year’s resolutions manage to keep them for more than a few months.
As we head into Spring and the days get longer and brighter, it can be a great time to revisit your fitness goals for the year. Here are 3 strategies to help keep you on track.
1. Set goals that are S.M.A.R.T. and meaningful so that you don’t lose focus or feel overwhelmed
When setting your goals, or perhaps re-evaluating goals you have already set for yourself this year, consider the acronym S.M.A.R.T. to help ensure your goal is:
- Specific: Details are key! Make sure your goal has a “who, what, when where, and why”.
- Measurable: Make sure your goal can be measured. A goal of “running 10km”, for example, gives you a tangible target to work towards.
- Attainable: Make sure your goal is not too lofty, yet still challenging. Setting the bar too high can lead to frustration and burnout.
- Realistic: Make sure your goal is one that can be realistically achieved within the timeframe you have set and with the resources you have available.
- Timely: Setting a realistic timeframe to complete the goal will help keep you motivated and on track.
2. Don’t Outgrow Your Goals
Be sure you revisit your goals regularly and check in with yourself. Is my goal still relevant? Do I need to progress it or adjust it to better suit where I am currently at in my life? Have I accomplished my goal and as a result am I starting to feel lost and lacking focus? Checking in with ourselves monthly to answer these questions can keep you from outgrowing your goal and losing that sense of direction needed to keep motivation high. Re-evaluate, reset, and refocus regularly!
3. Don’t let pain or discomfort derail your momentum
Have you noticed nagging pain, discomfort, or minor injuries are starting to add up and impact your progress? Be proactive and get ahead of your pain by booking in with a physiotherapist now to address small issues before they become big ones. A physiotherapist can help you set SMART goals, manage pain or discomfort, and ensure injuries don’t keep you on the sidelines this spring.
Get your goals back on track and get back to doing what you love by booking with a Physiotherapist today. We are here to help!
Written by:
Troy Clare, Registered Phsiotherapist.
References:
- Griffiths, M. 2016. Available online: https://www.iflscience.com/brain/psychology-new-year-s-resolutions/