Summer’s over and many people have set some wellness goals like losing weight, eating healthier, exercising more, reducing stress, etc. But as we get closer to the holidays, it can be easy to lose motivation and fall off track. Here are some tips for staying committed to your wellness goals through the rest of the year and beyond:
Set SMART goals![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Having specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound goals makes them easier to work towards. Setting vague goals like “lose weight” or “exercise more” makes it hard to track progress. Define what you will specifically accomplish each week and month.
Track your progress ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Use a journal, app or other tool to track the habits and behaviors related to your goal. Recording progress and seeing your consistency helps motivate you to keep going. You can track exercise, meals, moods, symptoms and more.
Schedule time for wellness
Don’t just try to fit it in when you can – actually block off time in your calendar specifically for health habits. This could be meal prepping, exercise classes, therapy appointments, etc. Treat this time as seriously as you would other obligations.
Involve others
Share your goals and progress with supportive friends and family. Having a community of people cheering you on makes it more fun and motivating. You can join a fitness class with friends or do virtual workouts together.
Celebrate small wins![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Recognize incremental progress, not just the “after” photo. Hit a new personal record at the gym? Tried a new healthy recipe? Give yourself a pat on the back. These mini milestones add up over time.
Be patient and persistent
Lifestyle changes don’t happen overnight. Expect ups and downs along the way. Stick with your new routines and habits even on days when your motivation dips. Consistency over time is key.
Make it enjoyable
If you dread your workouts or find your diet too restrictive, you won’t want to stick to them. Find physical activities, foods and habits that you genuinely enjoy. Long-term wellness has to be sustainable.
Work with a health coach![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
I help my clients set reasonable goals and track progress. Having a health coach as a guide and accountability partner makes it much more likely that you will achieve and possibly even surpass your wellness goals.
Conclusion
Staying on track with your wellness goals requires commitment and self-discipline, but it is absolutely achievable if you put these types of strategies into practice. What are your health goals? Make them happen by following the tips above. Consistency and patience are key, so get started today!
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Hi Karen, and Happy New Year 2024! Wow! Your post is so perfect for me, and for today. I love all your tips, and how you keep it simple, and are so self-empowering. I will be referring back to your awesome post in the New Year! Thank you! Diana
Thanks Diana and glad I can help. Happy New Year!
So many good wellness tips!
Thanks Kate/Becca. Happy New Year!
Hi Karen, this is certainly a timely post. All of those good intentions for the new year can benefit from these tips. The last time I made a New Year’s resolution was the one that I have been successful in keeping. I resolved to not make any more New Year’s resolutions. 🙂
That’s very funny Doug. Nice to see you’re able to keep your commitment to yourself year after year. Happy New Year!