Goal Setting for the New Year
It’s that time of year again when it’s hard to escape the '“NEW YEAR, NEW YOU” messaging that seems to scream from every corner of the wellness-based internet. Many of us set ambitious resolutions, only to find them slipping through our fingers by mid-February, discouraged that we couldn’t stick with it, when really we were never setting ourselves up for success. What if this year, we approached things differently? Instead of focusing on dramatic workouts that aren’t fun or enjoyable, we focus on incorporating gentle yet rigorous movement, in small but consistent doses, that actually feels good.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, beautifully encapsulates this idea: “All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves and branches grow. The task of breaking a bad habit is like uprooting a powerful oak within us. And the task of building a good habit is like cultivating a delicate flower one day at a time.”
Our goal is to plant small seeds that take you through the whole year. I’m going to kick us off with a 14-Day Challenge starting January 6th, to kickstart your movement practice into an unbreakable habit that lasts. Join the Challenge by clicking here!
Here are more tips to stay motivated and engaged beyond February 15th:
Start Small: Commit to one small, achievable action. For instance, instead of vowing to do Pilates for an hour every day, start with 10-20 minutes. You find even a lunch break to fit this in!
Stack Your Habits: Attach your new habit to an existing one. For example, after brushing your teeth in the morning, roll out your mat and do quick workout.
Track Your Progress: Celebrate small wins. Use the PWA app and community page to stay motivated. Seeing your streak and sharing with others is a great way to stay motivated.
Be Patient: Remember that change takes time. If you miss a day, don’t be discouraged. Return to your practice the next day with compassion for yourself.
Celebrate the Journey: Acknowledge your efforts and progress, no matter how small they may seem. And don’t be shy about celebrating the small wins! They’re building to an unbreakable habit!
Take a moment to reflect on your goals for this year and whether you’re working towards greater strength, flexibility, or overall well-being, remind yourself that every small, consistent action is a step toward a stronger version of you that will thank you!
