We are a week into the New Year and if you’re still on track with your resolutions … Congratulations! But, if you already feel your zeal for the New Year wearing thin, there are ways to help yourself.
A recent online article from “Men’s Health” pointed out a few factors that can sabotage your weight-loss resolutions. According to David Zinczenko, there are five very common mistakes to make.
1. Having a Long-term Focus
Short-term thinking can lead to long-term results. Researchers from the University of Sheffield found that 91 percent of people who start an exercise regimen — even those with the best intentions — bail in the first four weeks, before the habit has taken hold. And 61 percent throw in the barely used towel within the first seven days. But the 9 percent who last five weeks stay in it for the long haul. So to help yourself, set up a shorter timeline for your weight-loss goals.
2. Striving for Perfection
When people skip a workout, there’s a 62 percent chance they’ll miss one the following week as well, according to a study from the University of Massachusetts–Dartmouth. This domino effect could doom your resolution. You may feel like a failure for starting to skimp on your workouts and then you feel like quitting altogether. Help yourself by not striving for perfection. Strive to do just a little exercise everyday, even if you don’t have time for a full workout.
3. Setting Small Goals
Now you don’t want to set the bar unreasonably high but a University of Minnesota study suggests that having high weight-loss expectations may help you lose more weight. Researchers found that people who tried to lose an average of 16 percent of their body-weight — instead of the commonly recommended 5 to 10 percent — did indeed drop more than their conservative counterparts. To avoid sabotage set as lofty of a goal as you want — 20, 30 even 50 pounds but set a realistic smaller goal for a timeframe like 1-2 pounds a week.
4. Focusing on Hypotheticals
When you’re thinking about changing a behavior, don’t focus on what could happen or what could potentially go wrong. Focus on what is happening.
5. Not Having Support from Friends and Family
If your resolution is to eat more fruits and vegetables but your spouse is still piling on the carbs it will be difficult to stick to your resolution. Get people in your life behind your goal. Talk with those in your life and work with them to reach not only your goal but theirs as well.
For the full “Men’s Health” article go here: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/5-secrets-making-resolutions-stick
