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Why You Don’t Need To Make a Major Life Change To Start Your New Year Strong
We’ve all been there. Come January 1st we resolve to lose 50 pounds, eliminate sugar, organize everything, exercise for an hour Every. Single. Day. We all want to be super balanced and always present, well rested, and healthy. But those kinds of goals aren’t likely to get you there. According to research, only 8 percent of people successfully stick to their resolutions.
And no wonder, with such unrealistic goals, you’re almost doomed to fail before you begin. Instead we suggest that you write down a single intention for the year and tack it up someplace you’re likely to see it every day as the months tick by – we like your nightstand or the inside of your medicine cabinet. It’s also a good idea to set a weekly or monthly check-in reminder (put it in your phone so you won’t be able to miss it), and take that time to take note of how you’re doing following your intention. Just the act of writing it down on a regular basis can help you stay focused on what you’re trying to achieve.
Whatever intention you set for yourself: expect to slip-up. Falling off track is not failing. It’s human. Instead of reaching for perfection, try practicing balance and aiming for progress.
Here are some ideas to help you do just that:
Surround yourself with people who energize you and fill you up. The barre3 Challenge starts on January 4th and wherever you live, you’ll find a supportive community. Between Sadie Lincoln, local studio owners, your instructors and friends new and old you see on social media, when you’re all doing the same workouts and eating the same recipes, you’re sure to be swept up in positive energy. Healthy living is contagious. Details about the Challenge are here.
Cut back on the negative self-talk. When you notice that you’re saying something bad about yourself, stop and acknowledge it. Observing the negativity without judgment will make you more mindful and help you ease up and be more kind and patient with yourself over the long term. For example, if you’re berating yourself for skipping a workout or having a second piece of pie, stop and think, “That’s interesting. I’m blowing this minor slip-up out of proportion big time. Of course I missed my workout or had extra pie. I am human, and sometimes that happens. I would never talk to anyone else like I’m speaking to myself right now.”
Be OK with not feeling OK. Some days are just like that.
Let go. Every day, every week, ask yourself: “What do I need to let go of?” It’s important to move on from the things that are no longer serving us.
Find gratitude (even if you don’t feel like it). It’s easy to be grateful for the good stuff, but so rewarding to find the silver lining in life’s challenges.
Be patient. The things that really matter need time to grow.
Take time for yourself — even if it’s just 10 minutes. Carving out whole hours can be challenging but most people can find 10 minutes – especially in the morning before anyone else is awake. A little time for stretching, centering or just enjoying a bit of calm can impact your whole day.
Seek to understand before being understood. This is a favorite mantra of barre3 founder Sadie Lincoln and we’ve learned over the years that most misunderstandings occur because people aren’t coming to each other with an open mind.
See your glass as half full. Reminding yourself to strive for a positive outlook can help you see the world in a happier way. We all have so much to feel thankful for. Sometimes we just need to remember.
And whatever you choose to set as your intention for 2016, make it something that makes YOU feel happy from Day One. That’s always the first step to success.
We’ve all been there. Come January 1st we resolve to lose 50 pounds, eliminate sugar, organize everything, exercise for an hour Every. Single. Day. We all want to be super balanced and always present, well rested, and healthy. But those kinds of goals aren’t likely to get you there. According to research, only 8 percent of people successfully stick to their resolutions.
And no wonder, with such unrealistic goals, you’re almost doomed to fail before you begin. Instead we suggest that you write down a single intention for the year and tack it up someplace you’re likely to see it every day as the months tick by – we like your nightstand or the inside of your medicine cabinet. It’s also a good idea to set a weekly or monthly check-in reminder (put it in your phone so you won’t be able to miss it), and take that time to take note of how you’re doing following your intention. Just the act of writing it down on a regular basis can help you stay focused on what you’re trying to achieve.
Whatever intention you set for yourself: expect to slip-up. Falling off track is not failing. It’s human. Instead of reaching for perfection, try practicing balance and aiming for progress.
Here are some ideas to help you do just that:
Surround yourself with people who energize you and fill you up. The barre3 Challenge starts on January 4th and wherever you live, you’ll find a supportive community. Between Sadie Lincoln, local studio owners, your instructors and friends new and old you see on social media, when you’re all doing the same workouts and eating the same recipes, you’re sure to be swept up in positive energy. Healthy living is contagious. Details about the Challenge are here.
Cut back on the negative self-talk. When you notice that you’re saying something bad about yourself, stop and acknowledge it. Observing the negativity without judgment will make you more mindful and help you ease up and be more kind and patient with yourself over the long term. For example, if you’re berating yourself for skipping a workout or having a second piece of pie, stop and think, “That’s interesting. I’m blowing this minor slip-up out of proportion big time. Of course I missed my workout or had extra pie. I am human, and sometimes that happens. I would never talk to anyone else like I’m speaking to myself right now.”
Be OK with not feeling OK. Some days are just like that.
Let go. Every day, every week, ask yourself: “What do I need to let go of?” It’s important to move on from the things that are no longer serving us.
Find gratitude (even if you don’t feel like it). It’s easy to be grateful for the good stuff, but so rewarding to find the silver lining in life’s challenges.
Be patient. The things that really matter need time to grow.
Take time for yourself — even if it’s just 10 minutes. Carving out whole hours can be challenging but most people can find 10 minutes – especially in the morning before anyone else is awake. A little time for stretching, centering or just enjoying a bit of calm can impact your whole day.
Seek to understand before being understood. This is a favorite mantra of barre3 founder Sadie Lincoln and we’ve learned over the years that most misunderstandings occur because people aren’t coming to each other with an open mind.
See your glass as half full. Reminding yourself to strive for a positive outlook can help you see the world in a happier way. We all have so much to feel thankful for. Sometimes we just need to remember.
And whatever you choose to set as your intention for 2016, make it something that makes YOU feel happy from Day One. That’s always the first step to success.
