Year after year, we trick ourselves into thinking our resolutions may finally work.
But they never do. Resolutions are no more than an excuse to extend the holiday hangover.
It's time to make real goals, set actionable plans, and kick the crap out of the new year.
The Step-By-Step Blueprint for Resolutions That Work
You're not alone in wanting to lose weight and get in better shape, but you can separate yourself from the pack by trading resolutions for SMART goals that are:
New Year's Resolutions Suck! (Do This Instead)
Specific: Don't be a victim of vagueness, and remember, there's no such thing as being “too specific.”
Here's an example. Don't say “I want to lose weight.” A SMART goal is, “ I want to lose X pounds in Y weeks so I can do Z.”
Here's an example. Don't say “I want to lose weight.” A SMART goal is, “ I want to lose X pounds in Y weeks so I can do Z.”
Measurable: Creating a specific goal won't mean a thing if it isn't measurable.
Numbers are a crucial component of SMART resolutions.
Pounds, dollars, inches, etc. — how will you measure your success?
Numbers are a crucial component of SMART resolutions.
Pounds, dollars, inches, etc. — how will you measure your success?
Achievable: Our minds have a funny way of making us believe anything is possible beginning January 1, but we all know the weight you've struggled to lose all year isn't going to instantly melt away in January.
Anything is possible in time, but you have to be realistic.
Breaking big goals into small, achievable steps will supercharge your motivation and lead to more successes.
Anything is possible in time, but you have to be realistic.
Breaking big goals into small, achievable steps will supercharge your motivation and lead to more successes.
Relevant: Is achieving your goal something you want to do for YOU, or is it something you think you should do because others say it's important?
Reflect on what you want to achieve, and create a goal that's actually tailored to you. If your goal lacks personal relevance, it'll never last.
Reflect on what you want to achieve, and create a goal that's actually tailored to you. If your goal lacks personal relevance, it'll never last.
Time-Based: It's obvious, but also so easy to ignore. A goal without a deadline might as well be a dream.
Dreams are ideas we hope to create “someday.” SMART goals need specific deadlines or they'll slip away as time goes by.
Dreams are ideas we hope to create “someday.” SMART goals need specific deadlines or they'll slip away as time goes by.
Examples of Resolutions That Work
Tricked ya… We don't really believe in resolutions. You know that by now, right?
Here are some SMART goals that will actually deliver results:
Tricked ya… We don't really believe in resolutions. You know that by now, right?
Here are some SMART goals that will actually deliver results:
Start and complete a 4, 6, 8, or 12-week workout program. Add your own start and end dates so this goal doesn't morph into a resolution.
Train for — and complete — a 2K, 5K, mini-marathon, or marathon. Purchase your race ticket and invest in expert training ASAP.
Lose 1.5-2 pounds a week for the first 6-12 weeks of the year. Hire a trainer and commit to 3 sessions together per week.
Cut your sugar intake in half over the next 4 weeks. Keep a food journal and figure out exactly what you're going to cut to hit your goal.
Remember, your SMART goal needs to be personally relevant, so those are just starting points to get the creative juices flowing.
Now it's time to use these examples as a springboard to bulletproof your goals and actually achieve what you set out to do this year!
Now it's time to use these examples as a springboard to bulletproof your goals and actually achieve what you set out to do this year!
If you're still not sure how to set ideal SMART goals, we're here to help. We're so sure we can help you achieve your goals that we're willing to give you a free workout so you can see what our comprehensive fitness, nutrition, and support plans are all about!
