Remember setting your New Year resolutions? Halfway through the year, you realize that you have not achieved any of your goals. The main reason behind this could be that you don’t know how to make a lifestyle change.
So, how do you make a lifestyle change that lasts? The extract below provides some useful tips.
1. Do It for the Right Reasons
The primary reason why people fail to achieve lifestyle changes is that they do not have a reason to change their lifestyle. They may copy a celebrity’s or close friend’s lifestyle for the sheer fun of it. In the long run, they lack the drive to abide by the lifestyle changes after a few days.
Ask yourself, “Why do I need to shed some weight?” If you are doing it to please your friends, it may be hard to abide by the exercise plans. However, if you are doing it for the betterment of your health, you may be motivated to achieve your desired goals.
2. Research
Before commencing the program, conduct some research on the desired lifestyle change. For example, if you would like to start saving, research on how you can cut your spending.
More often than not, you may have to involve an expert to help you achieve your goals. The professional will give insights on how you can accomplish your desired change. Besides, he or she can be a source of motivation.
3. Set your Goals
It is impossible to achieve your desired lifestyle changes in a single day. Therefore, you will need to set realistic goals on how you will go about the process. Below are tips on how to set your goals.
- Start low. If you would like to become a vegetarian, don’t change your diet at once. Slowly cut your meat consumption as you introduce vegetables to your diet.
- Your goals must be time bound.
- Write down your goals in a book. This will help track your performance.
- Revaluate your goals. If you have not shed weight within three months, do not give up, try out different ways to achieve the goal.
4. Motivate Yourself
Sometimes, people are unable to achieve their desired lifestyle change because they lack the motivation to work towards achieving their goals.
Below are a few ways to motivate yourself.
- Associate yourself with people on the same path. Their progress may help keep you motivated.
- Give yourself a break! For example, you can decide to rest on weekends.
- Reward yourself every time you achieve a goal. For instance, you could go for dinner once you complete a milestone.
- Motivational books, movies, and quotes may help inspire you to achieve your goals.
5. Seek support
Keep the company of people that support you to achieve your desired lifestyle change. Your family members, for instance, can be a great source of motivation. They will support you since they understand how much the goals mean to you.
Avoid telling every Dick and Harry about your desired lifestyle change. Some people have a lot of negative energy, which might discourage you and make you neglect your goals.
6. Track Your Performance
The best way to ensure that you achieve your desired lifestyle change is by tracking your performance. Write down your daily and weekly achievements to track your progress.
At regular intervals, evaluate the various achievements and challenges you have faced while trying to achieve your goals. Celebrate your successes and find solutions to the challenges you have suffered.
7. Balance
Sometimes, we get too engaged in making our desired lifestyle changes that we forget about our day to day activities. For example, you could be so engrossed in losing weight that you neglect some of your family duties.
You must, therefore, strike a balance between your old and new routines. The best way to go about this is by creating a program. For example, you could decide to exercise in the mornings and evenings when you are free.
8. How to Make a Lifestyle Change by Being Positive
What will you do when you cannot achieve your goals? Most people give up when they are unable to accomplish some of their goals. Positivity is vital when making lifestyle changes.
If you are unable to achieve some of your goals, go back to the drawing board and restrategize. Ask yourself what you could have done differently. For example, could have keto and crossfit worked more effectively compared to your normal morning run?
9. Get Ready for Change.
Your desired lifestyle might mean that you have to let go of some things you are fond of. For example, if you seek to manage your finances responsibly, you might have to go slow on traveling, going out and other activities you enjoy.
Obviously, this might take a toll on your life. You may lose some of your friends since you no longer have common interests. Prepare yourself for these drastic changes and cope by finding viable alternatives.
10. Consistency
What happens when you shed off that extra weight? The main challenge that people face is that they lack the drive to abide by their new lifestyle. They slowly begin to slip back into consuming unhealthy foods or using money unwisely.
You need to set your mind and find reasons to stick to your new lifestyle. Remember how it felt like to be fat, to be broke and various other unhealthy behaviors. If you slide back to your comfort zone, you are likely to go back to your previous lifestyle.
The Time is Now
You do not have to wait till the New Year or your birthday to commence lifestyle changes. If you are uncomfortable with some of your behaviors, the best time to act is today. The drive to change your lifestyle must be from within; otherwise, you risk sliding back to your old behaviors.
Now that you know how to make a lifestyle change, overcome your fears, and take the first step towards changing your life. It may seem difficult at first, but with time, you will get used to the new changes. Browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips!
