5 Tips to Stay Motivated in 2010

The new year is is just around the corner and you know what that means . . . a New Year resolution! If you're like me, every year you set a goal to make a change for the better. This should be a time of great excitement; however, you may be approaching it with a sense of dread instead. Will you achieve your goal or will it end up being another resolution that falls by the wayside?

The statistics are not very encouraging. Most people give up on their New Year resolutions within three weeks. According to one discouraging study, only 8 percent of Americans actually achieve their New Year resolutions! Would you like to keep yourself motivated and make this the year you achieve your goals?

Here are five tips to stay motivated:

(1) Set realistic goals. Set a goal you know you can achieve. If you are currently inactive, it's unrealistic to set a goal to run 5 miles 3 times a week. Instead, set a goal you can achieve, such as "I will walk 30 minutes 3 days a week." Realistic goals can be motivating because once you achieve your goal you can set a new one! This allows you to see the progress you're making. Which brings us to the next important strategy . . .

(2) Set measurable goals. Measurable goals make it possible to track your progress. For example, instead of setting the goal "I will eat out less often this year," change it to "I will eat out no more than once a week this year." By setting measurable goals you can easily keep track of whether you are sticking to your goals.

(3) Write your goals down. Writing down your goals makes them real, whereas keeping a mental list leaves them as imaginary. Post your resolution where you will see it everyday as a reminder and it will give you added motivation.

(4) Tell a friend. Share your goals with others. This provides a sense of accountability. It's much easier to let yourself down when you haven't shared your plan with someone else. Talking about your plan with a trusted friend or family member will surely increase your desire to succeed.

(5) Reward yourself! When you achieve a goal, reward yourself. It is important to recognize your accomplishments and treat yourself. Just make sure your treat is in line with your goal. If you want to lose weight, this is not the time to indulge in an ice cream sundae. Consider other rewards you would enjoy, such as a good book, new music CD, or new pair of shoes.

Want help staying on track? Get started working dietitian Lisa Nelson via a Mini Diet Makeover today!

About the blogger:

Lisa Nelson RD is the founder and owner of eNutritionServices, which offers support, education, and guidance as you achieve your heart health and weight loss goals. Receive regular heart health and weight loss tips from dietitian Lisa Nelson when you subscribe to The Heart of Health and the free special report "How to Make Heart Healthy Changes into Lifelong Habits".