How To Stick To New Year Resolutions?

IWB wishes everyone a Happy New Year.

May we all grow together from strength to strength.

Happy New Year. People!!

This year passed and I didn't even know 2020 was going to end. We cannot deny that the past year has tested us in every way but made us stronger than ever. The last few days of December 2020 made me think of the plans I made on January 1st, 2020. It brought a smile to my face, the hard will to find a solution and stick with it and all the planning and the oohs and the ahh! It was all very dramatic!

Obviously it only went away within a month, back to the old me, the same life, the same routine, the same goodies … you get it!

But this year I've been researching how I can stick to my plans and make my dream come true (an Indian can't live without the cinematic dialogues … hehe). I want to lose at least 10 pounds this year. Of course it's difficult, so you need a plan. My mother thinks I can't. It's too steep a deal. Challenge accepted mother, will own 2021! And for those of you who have resolutions and want to stick to them, read on … this is a cheat sheet!

How do I keep my New Year's resolutions?

Please be realistic:

I know you want to lose weight or gain weight but want to be realistic with your ideas. When I say I want to lose 10 kg a year it is doable, but when I say I want to lose 10 kg in 4 months. No, it will never happen, at least not in a healthy way. So just know what you are aiming for and make sure you can make it. Don't go overboard, I'll lose all my 50kg weight in 6 months or do 100 lunges in a month. Be practical.

Write it down:

When you write down your goal, it becomes more realistic. As long as it stays in your head it will be with you and one day your mind will get better and you will forget about it, it is a very basic human tendency, don't be ashamed. So write it down, tape it somewhere you can see, like your closet, better still the fridge. We store all of our delicacies in the kitchen. A reminder of our goals helps us stay away from foods we shouldn't be eating.

Take one step at a time:

So let's get real here, you decide to eat clean and just toss all the chocolates in your closet and swear not to eat them for 6 months! I tried and gave in after a week! I have a big cute tooth and I have to be cute or I'll just turn into HULK. So take it one step at a time, limit your intake, but don't ban it. As in my case, I have set myself a goal of 1 square milk per day. This is doable and I won't feel (very) disadvantaged.

Set short-term goals:

Break your goal down into small achievements. Losing a lot of weight is a long journey and the easiest way to shed it, like 3kg in a month, sounds healthy and manageable. From the couch potato to visiting the gym 3 times a week can be a success. Break your long-term goal into smaller pieces.

Change your tracks:

I know we're talking about weight loss, but don't beat yourself up over a solution, focus on other things like being happy or spending more time with family and friends. Weight loss is part of the year, but there are plenty of other things that will define 2021 for you. Focus on making these things beautiful. Keep an eye on your other achievements too!

Throw the scales:

Many of us are obsessed with numbers, even me. But watch out for unscaled wins. You may not see any change on the scales, but notice how the jeans fit, notice the changes in your body, the collar bones never present, the round face that is slimming, these are also motivators although they may not be visible on the scale.

Include others:

Telling your close friends or siblings about your New Year's resolutions, or whoever you are comfortable with, will ensure you will be held accountable for your actions. You may be asked how it's going so far or remind you of your goals and keep track.

Reward:

Reward yourself for achieving your short term goals. No reward = no motivation!

These are my plans for 2021 and ways to stick with them … hope you have found them useful too.

This is IWB and wishes you a happy new year !!! I hope you continue to love IWB and motivate us to do more. We love you guys!