Let's look at the last five tips I have for achieving success in 2013!
#6 FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU- A.M. vs. P.M.
We are all different; different work schedules, different body rhythms, different commitments. Find out when you can COMMIT to exercise. For me, I have two options....around 9:30, or at 3pm. If it doesn't happen then, it isn't happening. So I have to set myself up for success by working the rest of my day around these things in order to make exercise THE priority. I could never promise to work out at 4 a.m......it wouldn't happen! Find out what works for you, and be honest about what you can truly make happen. Then, just do it! This would also include ways to shape your behavior, such as putting your gym bag on the front seat (rather than in the trunk) so that you have to look at it while driving...and will be more likely to get to the gym. Or lay out your gym clothes the night before so you are ready to roll. Pack your lunch the night before and go on a walk for your lunch break. Anything you can do to increase your chances of being successful is time and money well spent. More on this topic at a later date......
#7 SNEAK IN WAYS TO MAKE IT WORK
Whether it is busting out 50 squats in the ladies room, or doing walking lunges through your house, there are always more opportunities in the day to get your workout in. Have fun with it, and make it a game. My sister and I used to squeeze our glutes at every red light while we were out driving when we were in High School...why not bring that back!? There is no excuse to not DO SOMETHING. Also, I think wearing a pedometer is a great way to assess your activity level. They are small and discrete now, and easily show you how much movement you have throughout the day. A great goal to shoot for is 10,000 steps a day, which is roughly 5 miles. At the end of the day, you should see how close you are to your goal...and walk it out in place while you watch your favorite show if you need to make up some lost steps. You can do it!!!
#8 ABS ARE MADE IN THE KITCHEN!!
You HAVE to watch what you eat......but not diet. Diet is a four-lettered word in my opinion, and I hate hearing that people are on this diet, or that diet. You have to create a lifestyle for yourself that you will be able to maintain, no matter your circumstances. Eat smart, eat healthy, eat clean, and EAT. Starvation will get you nowhere, and eating junk is just as bad. Plan out your week, so that you already know what you will eat so there are no last minute bad decisions because you have "Nothing to eat!" Again, figure out what works for YOU. What do you like to eat??? Now, just clean up those meals a bit, and remember portions. More nutrition lessons later as well, but stick to something sensible, and there is no need to radically cut out a food group for the long haul. These changes are so difficult to maintain, unless it is for medical reasons, and then work with your Doctor to find suitable alternatives for the foods you love.
#9 STAY AWAY FROM PROCESSED ANYTHING
This obviously piggybacks on #8, but stay away from the 100 calorie pack marketing. If you read the labels, those snacks are typically filled with many preservatives and chemical products you should stay away from. At the beginning of the week, you can portion out snacks in small Ziploc bags such a carrots, triscuits, raw almonds, and other nutritious snacks so that your snack choices are ready for you when you need them. The less pre-packaged and processed foods you consume, the better. And, it is cheaper to portion things out yourself anyway. I like the mix at Costco that is raw walnuts, almonds, pistachios, dried cherries, and dried cranberries. I get a little sugar, a little fat, and a little protein....and you only need a small handful. The kids love it too, so it is a win/win. Try it for just a month and see how you feel. I dare you!
#10 LOVE YOURSELF ALONG THE WAY; SELF-DOUBT IS TOXIC, and unattractive.
Change doesn't happen overnight, and you can't expect to transform your thoughts and feelings overnight as well, but you must intentionally focus on the positive. The more you pat yourself on the back for small accomplishments and successes, the better your experience will be. Be PROUD of yourself at every step in your journey, because it is just that......a journey. Not a non-stop flight. You will have bumps in the road, you will have set-backs,, but you must remain positive...and keep moving forward. Love yourself enough to take this seriously...if you can't keep a promise to yourself, who can you keep a promise to??
Ok....do we all have an area or two we can improve upon????
Write down what you are going to do to fix at least one area. Make a plan, and take it seriously.
What do you need to make this plan a success? Set aside money from your next paycheck to purchase anything you may need, so there are no excuses!! Feel free to share on here what that may or may not be, so there is additional accountability!
I am setting an alarm on my phone at 9:30 everyday to remind myself it is GO-TIME for some exercise....and I have written out my plans for sick days (yoga and stretching), and home workouts for days I can't make it to the gym for one reason or another (Beach Babe DVD and Jillian Michaels).
So those decisions have already been made for me...I just have to follow through.
Have a great weekend!
XO
