Some of us consider the New Year’s Day as the starting point of the new goals we have set for ourselves. Others do the same on the beginning of the school year, in September. But the truth is that you do not have to wait until a specific date to improve your life! At any time of the year, you can set new goals!
CHOOSE WHAT YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE
… And write it down (on paper or on your computer!). Don’t just state: “I want to lose weight”. Be more specific by saying: “I want to lose that many pounds!”. The more specific you are, the better the chances of achieving your goal! Keep also in mind that your goals should be realistic, so that you do not get discouraged along the way.
DO NOT SET MULTIPLE GOALS AT THE SAME TIME
“Energy flows where attention goes” says the saying. By focusing on many things all at once, it is almost impossible to give to each one the energy it needs. Set your priorities straight, categorize your goals into long or short term and methodically plan how to achieve them. Divide your action plan into steps, to make it easier, and do not forget to reward yourself for each successful step!
FIND SUPPORT
It is easier to stay focused on your goal, when you are not alone. Making a promise to others often works as a greater motivation than making the same promise to yourself. It is also a lot more fun to try to achieve something along with a friend who has set the same goal, to discuss the difficulties along the way and to exchange tips. Unity is strength!
PRIORITIZE YOUR DIET
Without the right fuel you will not get anywhere! Nutrition is important not only for your physical, but also for your mental health. A protein-rich diet helps fight depression and stress, thanks to the amino acids it contains, which act as neurotransmitters. Protein-rich meals (such as smoothies with AMINO ANIMO organic protein) will give you a feeling of satiety – while avoiding processed foods high in fat and sugar – and improve your energy levels.
MOVE MORE
Movement is life – literally! There is not enough space in this blog post to emphasize the importance of daily exercise for your overall health. Especially for those of you over the age of 40, at least 30 minutes of daily movement are essential to maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system, to improve joint health and to avoid osteoporosis and heart diseases. If you find it difficult to start a new sport, you can do simple exercises while watching your favorite TV show, take your dog for a walk more often, park further away from your destination and take the stairs. Even housework counts as exercise, as long as you do it consciously, keeping in mind that you are exercising specific muscle groups. And a way of exercising that never gets old: dancing!
OBSERVE, LEARN, ADAPT
As you move towards your goals, observe what works for you and what does not. What worked for you yesterday, may not work today. Change it! Learn from your behavior, your reactions and even your mistakes. It is really important to not punish yourself for the mistakes you have made so far, but to learn from them. Check your goals at regular intervals, evaluate, review and adapt them to new data.
ENJOY
Whatever your goal is, do not turn it into a compulsion. Live each day as it comes, offering love to yourself, accepting your feelings. If you feel like your routine is monotonous, take risks by doing new things every day. Only when you “break” your routine, your interest in life grows. The same applies for your joy. And don’t forget to laugh! Everything in life is a matter of perspective!
