How to Stay Committed to Your New Habits
It's the same scenario every year. January starts strong with new resolutions and new habits that are meant to help you become a better version of yourself. Then by February, the luster of the new year fades, and with it goes the new habits you've implemented for only a couple of weeks. According to statistics, only 8% of people who set goals that require new habits at the beginning of the year accomplish them.
So, what sets the 8% apart from the rest of us? In this article, we've outlined some strategies that can help you can stick to your resolutions and even achieve your goals.
Set realistic goals
Setting realistic goals is vital if you want to achieve any of them. While it's great to aim high, aiming too high, especially when it comes to physical progress such as your rehabilitation progress after amputation, sets you up for a tougher time.
Go after what is achievable. Going from your initial amputee training session to prosthetic running in six months might sound like a great idea. But it's more realistic to focus on walking properly and getting your socket fitting just right first.
Prioritize
Understanding which tasks or goals are a priority is the key to achieving anything. While it might be tempting to do a million things that are begging to be done, knowing what your priorities are will help you make the most out of your 24 hours per day.
Be specific
The number one mistake of most goal-setters is that they set a goal that is too general. "Exercising more" sounds terrific, but it's not actionable. After setting realistic goals, make sure to break them down into specific tasks.
Perhaps your goal is to strengthen your leg or improve your balance. You can break that down into doable tasks such as "download a workout app and following the recommended exercise program," or "do core exercises at least three times a week."
Strategize
Coming up with a strategy on how you're going to carry out your plan is crucial. Having one is essential, especially if you want to be one step ahead of any foreseeable obstacle. Perhaps you are always short on time. Maybe you can subscribe to any of the available meal plan kits or do your grocery shopping online? If you find it challenging to start working out, perhaps you can make it easier by preparing your workout essentials the night before? Know what your weak points are, and find a way around them, as well as strengthen them.
Be accountable
The difference between goals that stay on paper and achieving them is accountability. Look for external help to keep you accountable. This might be making a promise to your family or hiring a professional to help you stay on track. Or perhaps you can join an amputee support group and tell them about your goals.
Create a timeline
Nothing holds you accountable to yourself and others than creating a timeline and sticking to it. Perhaps your deadline for walking properly on your prosthetic leg is four months. Set weekly check-ins so you can keep track of your progress. These weekly check-ins will also help you recalibrate your plan as needed.
Set rewards
Set up rewards with every milestone you've achieved. Maybe you can plan to indulge in your favorite comfort food when you haven't missed a single workout in two weeks? Or you can promise yourself a trip to somewhere you've always wanted to go once your balance improves. Setting up a reward is important because it's like seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Don't be intimidated by the fact that many people struggle to achieve their goals, but don't take that as permission to slack off either. With the right mindset and strategy, sticking to your new habits and achieving your goals can be sustainable.
What new habits do you want to stick to this year? And what strategies do you have in place so you can stick to them? Please share your tips and tricks with the rest of the community.
