Hello, November.
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it the seasonal food, gatherings, parties and travel certain to exact a toll on our fitness and, potentially, our health.
Then comes January, with the promise of resolutions of dieting and exercising. More often than not, the only exercise is in self-deception. You either don’t try,, make excuses, or quit. Come spring, you go into SlimFast panic and join the legions of those celebrating the new season by slipping on a knee brace.
You know, for the injury you sustained during your imaginary workouts.
Dedicate Yourself Now
Just like champions are forged in the off-season, the time before the holidays represents a great opportunity to set the tone for the coming year, fitness-wise.
With more than three weeks before Thanksgiving, NOW is the time to get the proverbial ball rolling.
If you live in the northern hemisphere, you probably get an extra hour this weekend due to Daylight Saving Time. Why not use it to develop a fitness plan for the month? Nothing drastic. Make a few small changes in your diet and activities. Start building a good habit now.
Even if you are currently active, you will benefit from a training plan.
Set Goals
Set a simple goal for each week, something you can realistically achieve. It could be an extra workout, slightly increasing intensity or duration, adding a new activity (like yoga), or getting more sleep – recovery is important. Keeping a log might help.
Specify Your Reward
Yes, you get a reward – but ONLY if you earn it. Small rewards act as positive reinforcement and help you achieve goals. This step is essential.
(Photo by Kyaw Tun on Unsplash)
It’s fine if you don’t meet your weekly goal – you just don’t get the reward. Life happens. Reflect on what you could’ve done differently, like scheduling workouts when you have more time or energy.
You’re not competing with anyone else. Every little bit helps as long as you remain consistent. Don’t focus on the negative – it gives you an excuse to quit.
Enjoy the Holidays
If you must skip a few workouts, so be it. Let go of any guilt – you have a plan in place. And it’ll be easier to get back on your fitness routine since you’ll know exactly what to do next.
Consider the Alternative
You can spend two months telling yourself you’ll start working out or dieting in January. But ask yourself this: How motivated will you be to deliver on that promise once things calm down, you’ve gained ten pounds over the holidays, and you feel like doing nothing but sleep?
None of this matters if you’ve stuck to the plan.
With a positive attitude, renewed energy and self-esteem, you’d be looking forward to that warm weather.
(Main Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash)