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For many of us, our 2024 plans contain a goal or two related to health, wellness or fitness. Whether your goal is to regulate your blood pressure, to engage in more physical activity, or simply to lose a few pounds, YOU GOT THIS!!
Taking the First Step
The first step on your journey to acheiving your health and wellness goals is to clarify and visualize what you want. After you’ve done that, figure out what habits you need to adopt and resources you need to utilize to successfully reach your goal. Next, plan your days to incorporate these habits. On a daily basis, access how well you performed against your daily goal. Finally, celebrate your daily activity! Many people wait to celebrate the weight loss or the toned body, but if you celebrate completing your daily tasks, you are more likely to achieve your health and wellness goal.
STEP 1: First things first – The VISION!
I recall when I was about thirty years old. I worked long days at a law firm. It was nothing for me to put in 70+ hours a week. I was also managing my home and raising my children. I was EXHAUSTED! My career was flourishing; my health, not so much. When I hit the door from work, my children were ready to play. I, on the other hand, was ready to hit the bed. After a few years of this, I realized that I needed to make some serious changes.
I knew the power of visualization and goal setting. It had worked for my career. I thought it time for me to utilize these tools to get my health and wellness goals under control. First, I decided what my goal would be – I desired to shed at least 25 pounds and a few inches off my waistline. That was my goal! I began to visualize myself in the body I wanted to see. Using magazines, I created a visual image of the me I wanted to see.
Step 2: The HOW
Now that I had my goal, I needed to determine what habits I would commit to in order to bring success. I focused on 3 simple things:
Drink a proper amount of water
Eat a combination of 5 times daily (3 nutritious meals and 2 snacks)
Move my body at least 30 minutes/4 days per week. The physical activity consisted of gym workouts, walks, jogs, or weight training at home. I committed to doing these three things.
STEP 3: The PLAN
I wrote these activities into my daily planner and then I journaled my activity to hold myself accountable to do what I said I would. Eating breakfast was one of my biggest challenges, so I usually opted for protein shakes in the morning. I also brought my lunch and snacks to work, and meal planned. These steps helped simplify my life and helped me to stay consistent and committed. I even planned how I would drink my water – 8 ounces at the top of every hour I was awake. Every day, that was my routine.
STEP 4: CELEBRATING MYSELF
Did I execute my plan perfectly every day? NO! But, about 85% of the time, I hit my daily target. And every day I did, I took a moment to congratulate myself. On the days I didn’t hit my target, I gave myself grace to get it right the next day. This is, after all, a journey.
THE RESULT
After engaging in these activities consistently for three months, I began noticing changes in my body. First, my energy levels increased. Then my waistline slowly started shrinking. And after about six weeks, I noticed the numbers of the scale decrease. Instead of focusing on the results, I continued to focus on the daily activity. In about 3 months, I accomplished the goals I set for myself.
Last year I turned 50 and added some new wellness goals. But almost 20 years later, I still follow these four simple steps. Take time to visualize, set a plan, engage in daily action, and celebrate. These four simple steps will help you achieve the wellness goals you have set for yourself in 2024!
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