5 Ways to Make Healthy Habits Last

We’ve only kicked off 2017 and most people have already given up on their New Year’s resolutions. Healthier habits always look good on paper and sound good like good ideas, but they are typically easier said than done. Who doesn’t want to lose weight, improve spending habits or get more exercise? But the way many of us approach our goals is setting us up for failure.

Whether you’re still working on the resolution you set in December or making a new one today, these are the ways to approach your goals and healthy habits to finally make them last.

Start Today

The first mistake many people make when they’re developing a new healthy habit today is to wait for tomorrow. Procrastination is an enabler of bad habits, which is why the New Year’s resolution is one of the worst ways to make a positive change in your life.

A habit worth changing tomorrow is worth changing today. So if you’re ready to set a goal, don’t wait for an arbitrary date to make it happen. Start today.

Know Your Why

You know that you want to accomplish a goal and set a new healthy habit, but do you know why? So many people never stop to consider why they actually do what they do. Your “why” will always be more powerful than your “what” or your “how,” so ask yourself the right questions when setting a goal.

Let’s say you want to start exercising once per week:

• Why do you want to exercise once per week? “Because I want to lose weight.”
• Why do you want to lose weight? “Because it’s better for my cholesterol.”
• Why do you want to lower and track your cholesterol? “Because I want to maintain a healthy lifestyle and play with my grandchildren.”

Sometimes these questions will reinforce the original goal and other times they will help you find a new goal that is better suited toward the outcome you want to achieve.

Use Technology

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be tech-savvy, the gadgets available are just too useful to ignore. There are even wearable fitness trackers for seniors that are easy to use and track your goals. Add a little fun to your exercise goals by tracking your progress and sharing milestones with your friends and family. GreatCall’s Lively Wearable senior fitness tracker works with your smartphone to become an emergency device if you should ever need assistance during exercise.

Keep a Journal

Maintaining a consistent frame of mind to stay on top of your goals is nearly impossible. It’s easy to forget the rush of motivation you once had after months have elapsed. That’s why keeping a daily journal is the perfect way to look back at both your thoughts and progress to stay motivated in the present. Whether you keep a blank notebook or something more structured like the Five Minute Journal, reflecting on your goals will help you stay motivated and on track.

Accept Your Setbacks

Cake will be eaten and workouts will be skipped, and all of that is perfectly OK. In fact, it’s expected. Setbacks will happen and that’s out of your control. What is in your control is what happens after. Many people will give up on their goal after a few bad days because they feel helpless, but not you. Accept the setbacks as part of the process and you will be just fine.

It’s not difficult to make your healthy habits last. Take small steps to keep you focused and motivated every day and your goals will become a reality.