New Year, New You? - Datefit's Tips for Setting Resolutions in 2018.
The new year is the perfect time to start fresh - with 365 new chances to work towards your goals. While most New Year's resolutions tend to fall off after the first few months, Datefit wants to help you set goals that you can keep crushing all the way through 2018!
To become the best version of yourself in the New Year, you have to set goals that are S.M.A.R.T.
Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Relevant. Timely.
How to use S.M.A.R.T. guidelines to become the best YOU in 2018:
- Specific: Setting broad goals such as "I want to get in shape this year" will be difficult to stand by. By simply rewording this resolution to, "I want to lose x amount of weight, fit into my pre-baby jeans, or run a 5k without stopping" will give you something to aim for each and every day. Setting specific goals can be as easy as writing down why you want to change, where you want to accomplish it, or who you want to accomplish it with.
- Measurable: The success of a resolution greatly depends on how you are able to keep track of progress and measure the outcome. This is where the pant size, pounds lost #, and progress photos will come in to play. If you'e aiming to run a full marathon, the measurable goal will be to run 26.2 miles at the end of your training season in October for example. You can use this as motivation by putting reminders on your phone, mirror, refrigerator to keep motivating you towards that end goal!
- Attainable: Personally, I am well aware that I wont be running 26.2 miles in the new year, because that simply isn't realistic for someone who can barely run for 30 minutes! By taking a look at where you are right now physically and mentally, you can set goals that are attainable for you. Make sure that the resolution isn't out of reach or unrealistic, this will prevent you from quitting or getting discouraged after the first few months.
- Relevant: Is this resolution worth while and does it align with your lifestyle? If one of your resolutions is to train for a marathon, while another is to build 10 lbs of muscle- you will notice that these two will contradict one another. By creating conflicting goals, it will keep you from reaching either resolution in 2018. Try creating resolutions that align such as: reading a new book every week and spending 30 minutes less watching Netflix each night.
- Timely: Most resolutions last from January 1st until December 31st. This can be good for some people, who are looking to take things slow and steady in their fitness or lifestyle goals. However, if you're a procrastinator by default, creating a stricter time frame will prevent you from waiting until December 1st to start grinding. The goal here is to create time limit and a sense of urgency to reach your goals!
Here are a few examples of S.M.A.R.T. goals from us at Datefit to tie it all together for you.....
- In 2018 I want to prep for a novice bodybuilding competition and make top 5 in my class.
- By the end of summer 2018 I want to complete a Tough Mudder Race with my spouse.
- By my birthday I want to rock my favorite jeans (size medium) and be able to breathe in them.
- In 2018 I want to start dating again (on Datefit) to have a date by Valentine's Day❤️.
We challenge you to use the S.M.A.R.T. guidelines to create your own New Year's resolutions. Make a list of your top 5 specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely goals and share them with the Datefit Community! #Datefit and #Datefitofficial so that we can see you crush your goals in 2018! Oh and we can't forget to wish you all.....
