Let’s be real! Right after New Year’s Day, on January 2nd, it feels like the day after an epic “walwalan”. You wake up, eyes still blurry from a holiday cheer hangover and those New Year’s resolutions feel like a distant memory. You vowed to become health-focused, conquer Mt. Pulag, and eat only air (joke, but you know what I mean). But by mid-January, the gym membership gathers dust, and the “healthy eating” plan disappears faster than you can say “leche flan”!
Why do we always fall off the wagon?
1. We aim for the impossible.
“This year, I’m running a marathon!” (Newsflash: you haven’t even run up a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing).
2. We think willpower is magic.
“I’ll wake up at 5 AM every day and do yoga! No problem!” (Spoiler alert: you’ll hit the snooze button at least five times). Your brain says yes, but your body says no.
3. We bail faster than a two-year-old kid’s attention span.
Most people become disheartened at the tiniest inconvenience and let their entire plan fall apart. “Eh, maybe next year.”
[D]itch the “all or nothing” attitude … stick to your goals (or at least try!).
This year, let’s try something different.
1. Start small, like really small.
Instead of becoming a gym rat, resolve to exercise for 10 minutes daily. If you make it to 5, congratulations! You’re already ahead of last year. You may also try walking to the neighborhood mini-mart instead of driving or taking a tricycle.
2. Find your “bakit”.
What’s your real reason for wanting to change? To fit into that old pair of jeans? To finally impress your crush? Write it down and stick it on your fridge (or better yet, your bathroom mirror). Remind yourself why you started. Whatever it is, keep that motivation close!
3. Make a plan.
Schedule workouts like you would a chikahan session with your friends. Get a workout buddy for support, preferably one who’s “makulit” and loves nagging. Positive peer pressure!
4. Track your progress (without obsessing).
Use apps like WeightWatchers or MyFitnessPal to monitor your food or workouts. But don’t weigh yourself daily. Don’t let it stress you out.
5. Forgive yourself (seriously).
Life loves throwing plot twists. Did you miss a workout? Indulge in a plate of chicharon bulaklak or down can of soda? Don’t give up! It’s okay! Tomorrow is a new day.
Here’s the secret to success:
Forget relying on motivation (it’s as reliable as the traffic along EDSA):
1. Focus on creating habits that stick. Anchor new habits to your routine.
Exercise after brushing your teeth, or pack your gym bag the night before.
2. Reward yourself (but not with food!).
Treat yourself to something nice (new shoes, a massage, or a day at the beach) when you accomplish a goal.
The bottom line? Your New Year’s resolutions won’t demand superpowers. No need to save the world; just save yourself some time for self-improvement. It’s about making small, sustainable changes.
Every step, even if it’s just taking the stairs instead of riding the elevator to the next floor, or adding one veggie to every meal, counts. So, ditch the “all or nothing” attitude, and let’s make this year the year you actually stick to your goals (or at least try!).
Maligayang Bagong Taon! (And hopefully, a healthier one!)