Tomorrow marks a new date and the change in year often marks a change in behaviour. Personally, I dislike the phrase of "New Year, New You" , as it seems to say that the "old" you was somehow defective ….however, an opportunity to mark a step change is often a great way to allow us as humans to satisfy our appetite for improvement.
As we get to grips with having to remember to write 2019, and not 2018, this makes us focus. The change of year also reminds us that time is passing and if not now, then when. If you have the desire to wipe the slate clean and to start a new year with a better mindset, a determination not to let life be the boss but to be in charge of your own destiny, then here are my top five fitness tips that I have found to be useful.
1. Go compare but don’t compare
a. This is all about making a choice that works for you. Yes, have a look around at all the different things you can do to improve your fitness. Ask friends for what they do. But also, and most importantly, do not compare yourself to others in a negative way. This I find is the most destructive, soul destroying and demotivating way to fitness. Be inspired - but don’t then see this as a way to beat yourself up about what you have not achieved. Be yourself. Be kind. Chose happy workouts that bring you satisfaction. Make your goal joy of life. Be positive in your self talk "you can do it" " keep going" " you are doing well" " don’t give up" are all better phrases then " you are rubbish" "this hurts"
2. Marie Kondo your clutter
a. Time is often the reason that many people find is the biggest barrier to making a change. If you have read the Marie Kondo book about de-cluttering, then you will know the phrase of only having onto things that bring you joy. Therefore, apply the same principle. Find the joy of exercise and make room for it in your life. De clutter the time consuming things that drag you down. Part of the book says that you should not spend your time tidying up, but have less things to tidy – so, clear some space. You need 30-60mintes in a day, three to five times a week. This might mean sitting down with a pen and paper to see your time schedule – but think of it like the emptying of your wardrobe and discarding items you no longer need.
3. POA
a. A "plan of action" is always useful and a great motivator. Consider in the same way as planning your holiday. You know how we look forward to it, but also have a look about where we will stay, maybe look for things to do in the area, plan what clothes to wear, book time off, get excited. That.
b. An "end goal" is always a good thing. It makes us work towards a date and keeps us motivated when we don’t want to do exercise – and yes, this is a real thing btw. So unless you are on a "shred to wed" or have set your self a race goal, plan a "thing" This could be physical – maybe weight loss or fitting into an old pair of jeans. Or mental – such as waking up with more energy and sleeping better.
4. Strictly Come Dancing - Fitness style
a. I’m not suggesting getting out the sequins ( but, if it pleases you then don’t hold back) but to get your own glitter ball and really, some judges to mark your performance
b. Basically be a judge. You know how part of the joy of the show is watching people improve over time. They listen to their coaches and listen to the judges comments. They work on their performance and work towards a better score. Be that person. Don’t think that every time you do things you will get the perfect ten. Sometimes, you might have a bad week. Work on it. Get better at it. Get advice. But always sparkle and shine. Be fabulous
5. Blue Planet - David Attenborough style
a. We all love to watch the amazing documentaries that David Attenborough makes about our planet. Whether that is watching in wonder at the beauty of the world, or shouting at the tv to run away from the snakes or even crying at the harshness of life that can be cruel at times. At the end of each show there is a voiceover telling us that if we don’t change, then we will lose what we have. This is the voiceover you need in your head.
b. You might like to script your voiceover. Write it down and keep it tucked away in a drawer and read when you are demotivated. Have David Attenborough’s voice in your head - he always celebrates the beauty in what we have but minds us that we need to be guardians of the future. Be your guardian. Be brave and make a difference
I wish you well in 2019. I hope the year bring to you much joy and laughter. That there is love and kindness, but mainly that there is a determination to celebrate life in all its weird and wonderful ways.
