Create a lifestyle worth sticking to

When it comes to achieving new goals, how many have you seen through until the end? 

Every year we hear people say they’re going to cut out junk food, improve their fitness, travel more, or even fall in love. On 1 January we often take on the mantra of ‘new year, new me’. But a couple of weeks go by, and the wheels may start to fall off. Research shows only 8 per cent of people achieve their New Year’s Resolutions. 

One thing that resolutions have in common? They’re all bold, sweeping statements, big ideas – and that’s it. No wonder most people only make it two weeks before their resolution is left … unresolved.

Of course, life changes don’t always happen at the start of a new year, and they certainly don’t have to happen all at once. We have 365 days a year to make a positive change to our lives. A wise man once said ‘from little things big things grow.’ Here’s how you can make long-term changes and create a lifestyle you want to keep.

Jack of all trades, master of none.

If you set your sights on too many goals at once, there won’t be enough time to give each one the attention it needs. You’ll only end up feeling stressed and guilty that you can’t stick to the unrealistic expectations you’ve set for yourself. 

Learning a new language, starting a gym routine, and kicking goals in your new job are all great objectives to work towards, but all at once? We’re tired just thinking about it. 

Tip: Set the wheels in motion with one goal and go from there. Once you’re used to that early morning alarm to get to the gym, then it might be time to say 'Hola!' to those evening classes to brush up on your Spanish.

Positive goals will see you go far.

We often hear goals with a negative connotation. ‘I want to lose weight’, ‘I need to stop spending so much money’, ‘I’m never drinking again’. The list is endless.

Negative goals are emotionally unattractive – they don’t exactly scream exciting life change. Next time you set your eyes on a new achievement, think about framing it to be positive. 

Tip: Reframe your goal to lead with a benefit, like ‘I want to save for a holiday’ or ‘I want to make the most of my weekends.’ This also helps turn your hard work into a reward rather than a punishment.

Discipline trumps motivation, every time.

We see people reaching and smashing their goals and think ‘you must be SO motivated!’ But the truth is, motivation comes and goes. It’s discipline and small habits that will keep you tracking towards the life you want. 

Motivation is steeped in external and emotional factors. Discipline is something learned and maintained over time; it doesn’t rely on how you feel on any given day.

Elite athletes don’t spring out of bed every morning before their alarm, racing out the door to train for the next big race. They have days where they want to hit the snooze button too. But they’ll get out of bed eventually because when you do something repeatedly for so long, it becomes second nature. Just like eating breakfast, or brushing your teeth – and you wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth, would you? That’s right, didn’t think so.

Next time you feel that motivation battery depleting, just think about the bigger picture of your goals, and how each small step is taking you there. We guarantee you’ll be bouncing out of bed in no time too.

Tip: Commit to one small habit that you can complete with consistency – like having your gym clothes and keys ready for the morning. 

Not everyone will be on board, and that’s okay.

Sometimes the goals we set or habits we want to change are indirectly linked to our relationships. Cutting back on big nights out to save money might not fill your friends with joy – but if it’s a positive change for you, that’s what should matter.

We can’t please everyone all the time. Be upfront with your friends about the changes you want to make and why. Find ways to involve them in your new habits and goals. If you can’t make it to your Thursday night dinners anymore because you’ve just started a new gym class – invite them along! 

If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up.

Just like pleasing everyone is impossible, so is perfection. You’re going to have days where you’re unmotivated, or weeks where you overspend. That’s okay – in fact, it’s what being human is all about. 

Sometimes when we slip up, we might feel urged to over correct, or just throw in the towel completely. 

For example, if you have a cheeky splurge on a new beauty buy, you might tell yourself you’re not going to spend money for the rest of the month. Or, if you order a pizza when you’re on a health kick, you might say ‘what’s the point?’ and indulge for the rest of the week. 

Both are extremes at opposite ends – one way is no fun, and the other isn’t sustainable long term.

Tip: If you find yourself taking a slight detour from your goal, acknowledge it, course correct, and keep on going. Consistency and discipline is your ticket out of a slump. Soon enough, that slip up will be a minor blip on your path to success!

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