Fall is officially here – ending trips to the beach, summer vacation, refreshing popsicles dripping from our chins, and outdoor barbecues. As we all start to settle back into a more normal routine, feeling less carefree with the season changing, take a moment to think back to last fall. What were your goals then? Did you succeed? Where did you struggle? Did football tailgates and family holiday gatherings put your goals on hold?
Truthfully, these things won’t go away. And they are welcomed with open arms, as there are many positive fun moments that revolve around these activities – it just doesn’t mean, you have to ignore your goals though. Start with these six hacks to get your goals off to an accomplishing feat!
Do What You Love!
Working out and staying healthy, isn’t suppose to feel like torture. If you don’t like it, you aren’t going to willingly do it – simple as that. Find something you love and work it into your schedule every week. Whether it is running outside to gaze at the leaves changing colors, jumping into a spin class, relaxing with some yoga, or hitting the weight room. Find out what sparks your interest and do it!
Be Realistic
Okay – you now know what you love, but don’t expect to do it seven days a week. One, it is nearly impossible to do every single day for the rest of your existence. Two, even something you love can burn you out. Keep it in your life but in moderation. Instead, every time you participate in the activity you love, it will be a simple reminder as to why you are committing to a happy, healthy goals in the first place.
Have A Backup Plan
So your work meeting ran late and you missed the lunch hour spin class at your gym or your kid has an after school piano lesson. This does not mean you can’t go to the gym still. Plan ahead with a few workouts you found online to have handy when you need them in a pinch. The resources online are endless. Don’t worry if you question if it is the right workout for you, you are doing this in a pinch and it is better to have sweat than to have not sweat at all. Plus, maybe you will love it and want to add it into your routine!
Pick Simple Foods To Bring With You
No one likes the person that doesn’t bring a dish to pass at tailgating or football party? Since you should bring something anyway, bring something that sticks to your goals. Who cares if others may not enjoy it – more for you! This way you know something will be available to eat to keep you on track. When it comes to selecting what to bring or what to have on hand to snack on during the day, ask yourself these simple questions – Did someone plant it? Did someone pick it? And/Or did someone have to catch it? If the answer is yes to any of the questions, then eat it. It can be that simple.
Have a Support in Place
Of course, we all have people that support us in our lives, but this time, I am talking about someone who is in tune to what you are trying to accomplish with your goals. This person does not have to be with you during your workouts, even though this does increase accountability, but it can simply be someone you communicate your goals with daily. Having them check in on you, or you checking in on each other. Someone that will keep you on track and may stray you away from indulging in a whole pizza to yourself – a slice or two can be just fine.
Give Gratitude to Yourself
At the end of the day don’t beat yourself up. So you had ice cream for dessert and ate deep fried pickles, feel better? Maybe or maybe not. What is important is that what is done is done and you’ve learned what to do next time. Keep pushing forward and don’t let a moment of weakness, mess up a whole week, let alone a whole day. Do you still have time to hit the gym after eating those pickles? Go do it, sometimes a little guilty pleasure can be the greatest fuel to get you through the best workout of your life. At the very least, say something positive about yourself and your life. You’ve moved on now.
