With all that has happened in 2020, it may have been hard to stick to your diet and exercise plan. We wanted to focus on what made us comfortable and happy in the short term. For 2021, it is going to be a new year with hope to make changes for the better and make improvements that will benefit us in the long term. It is time to make those new years resolutions, which includes starting a new exercise plan and replacing those unhealthy comfort foods with more balanced alternatives. Let’s make our health and well being a priority in 2021.

Here are some tips to help you stay motivated and stick to those 2021 goals:

1. Find an accountability partner: This can be a friend, a family member or a personal trainer. When you have someone that you are held accountable to, you are more likely to stick to your goals. They will be working on their goals alongside you and will help you to get through those plateaus and days that you want to give up. They will help you to stay motivated.
2. Make a schedule and stick to it: Plan out when you are going to workout and your meals. When you make time in your schedule to be healthier, you won’t fall into your old habits of skipping meals, eating unhealthy or skipping a workout.
3. Set goals for yourself: You should have both long term and short-term goals. Make them achievable and not unrealistic, because if they are, then you will never achieve them. You want them to be specific and something that you can measure. If you can envision where you want to be 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from now, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. By breaking down the plan into smaller steps, you can hold yourself accountable throughout the year.
4. Make sure the focus is on you: Don’t compare yourself to others. Your goals and fitness level are unique to you so comparing yourself to others will only create disappointment and unrealistic expectations. Most of all, make your fitness journey enjoyable!