The cheapest way to lose weight and keep it off
Many of us this month will make decisions to change something in our lives. The most popular new years resolutions by far are to lose weight and get fitter. It’s the same every year, the pattern never changes. In my 30 odd years in the fitness and wellness industry, I can guarantee the gyms will be full by the end of January. About 80% of all those budding healthy lifestyle devotees will have disappeared by the time the easter bunny arrives, returning back to their normal lifestyle behaviors, habits and beliefs.
Why is it we do this more in January as apposed to any other time of the year. New years day is the same as any other day after all. Ringing in the New Year with a pledge to ring the changes is far from a modern phenomenon. The ancient Romans began each year by making promises to lead a better life to Janus, the God after whom January is named. The Babylonians, vowed to their gods at the turn of the year to pay back their debts. The theme of self-improvement carries across different cultures and religions – along with fasting and atonement for sins. New Years Day is a new day, but when you think about it, every single day is a new day and a new opportunity. Take each day and make a small change that will make a big difference.
Think of it this way; creating a small habit is better than making a huge life change.
Are you one of those people who enter the new year with a buzz, all fired up to do it this time, and then fall behind when the going gets tough. Well it doesn’t have to be that way. One thing is for sure; if you do the same things this year as you did last year guess what? You will get the same results. If you try to go cold turkey and take on the world you will end up changing nothing in the long run. Take the bull by the horns and do something different to get a different result!
How to create a new habit
Here at slimthinkers we call them TNT moments, Tiny Noticeable Things that make a big difference. “I want to lose some weight” you say. Ok, so what can you do right now, that will get you started?”
The easiest way is to just add a new habit to an existing one. These can be before, after or during the existing behavior ie:
Before I drink my morning tea I will do 10 pushups on the kitchen work top and 10 squats.
After work I will take a 5 minute brisk walk before I sit down.
During my meal I will continually sip water.
Here you are adding a new behaviour to an existing one which you are doing as part of your normal day, everyday, but these small changes to your life you are taking you ever closer to your goal. Your brain and body are remembering a sequence. Once these become the norm you can add in more small changes and take out the less beneficial habits. Remember TNT. Repeat the behavior, notice and reward the change.
Make sure you are ready to change.
January is just another month on the calendar. It is the month though when everything you see, read or hear is pointing you in the direction of change because it has always been that way. New year new you and all that. It is the time of year when the industry makes money and is geared to selling to you. If you are not ready, you will not change.
Combine the desire to change and repeat the new behavior. It’s that simple.
Download our free e-book. It will help get you focused and give you a number of small changes you can make right now. All you need to make this new years resolution a successful one.
Paul Knight
Related posts
