2021, here we come! New Year's Resolutions
By Sue Joyner
The New Year is almost here, and I think it’s safe to say we are all eagerly awaiting the arrival of 2021. Naturally, many of us are scoping out the coming year, looking to set new goals that help us set healthier habits and challenge us. If I could recommend one piece of advice when setting goals for 2021, it would be to start small. If you feel like this past year dragged you through the mud, and any good habit you once had is gone, do not fear. Go clean that mud off your pretty face, and start fresh. By setting small, achievable goals it’s easier to build on those goals, stay motivated, and eventually implement it into your daily lifestyle.
For those who are unmotivated, hate exercise, or claim to not have time: start with preparation. Look at the week ahead and pick 2-3 days that week that you can fit a 10-20 minute walk (or whatever method of exercise you enjoy) with your dogs, babies or just you. It doesn’t have to be strenuous or miserable, just get moving. After 3 or 4 weeks of consistently doing this, re-evaluate and ask yourself, ‘is this something I enjoy? Does this make me feel better physically, mentally or emotionally?’ If you answer yes, keep going. See if you can add another day of exercise to your weekly routine or add an extra 5 minutes to your current sessions. Start simple, and prove to yourself you can be consistent. Then you can build on frequency, duration, and intensity over time.
For those who have perfected consistency but are feeling burnt out or bored: let’s get creative. If you’re a treadmill runner, try hitting the pavement. If you’re a greenway runner, try taking a jog through the historic/downtown area of Cleveland, TN. If you’re bored of your normal route around Cleveland, take it to the trails! Or maybe you’ve tried all of the above and running has become more of a chore than something you enjoy. Try a different way of exercising other than running. Cycling, swimming, yoga, At-home workouts, or strength training, there is always more to learn and challenge your body!
For my adventure seekers and competitive junkies: this year may look a little different than you are used to. Unfortunately, similarly to 2020, this new year of 2021 can’t promise any more certainty than the year past. You’ve proven yourself to be strong and this is just another thing to muscle through. So when I suggest to set smaller goals I mean to keep your dreams big, but set goals that are realistic for the time we are living through right now. That may look much different than what you are used to but this is a season to be adaptable. Find new ways to entertain and challenge yourself physically. If you have your eye on a race, go for it! But remember to be adaptable if our current circumstances change your plans.
With the start of a New Year, there is always a subconscious pressure to implement new habits into your life. I hope to encourage you that you can start a new habit, goal, or change at any point in the year. Take the time to decipher what is achievable for this season of your life, set a goal, and show up and give it your best effort. You’ve totally got this year! Stay positive, take care of yourself, and enjoy the little things! Happy New Year!