If you're feeling discouraged after trying and failing to reach a health goal, don't give up! Making lifestyle changes is the key to reaching your goals. To help you stay on track, here are five tips to ensure success. With these strategies, you can make changes that will help you achieve a healthier you. Be Realistic. When setting goals, it is important to make sure they are realistic. Avoid setting too many objectives that are overly ambitious and difficult to achieve. SMART goals are the best way to go about this. SMART is an acronym for the five elements of successful goal-setting: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. It's best to start small and make baby steps; this will help you form long-term habits in the future. For example, if you want to hike 20 miles up a mountain, begin by running for 10 minutes in an elevated area and then gradually increase the time. Keep in mind that your wellness journey should never be about perfection but rather about making continuous progress toward a healthier lifestyle. Persistence is Key! Don't let yourself be discouraged by a setback - everybody makes mistakes! Instead, use it as an opportunity to reflect and learn. Take some time to think about what caused you to slip up and make a plan for how to make a healthier choice the next time. Remember that one misstep does not mean you have given up on yourself or your goals. Have Accountability. Reaching health and wellness goals can be difficult, but having a supportive group of people around you can be hugely beneficial. A support system can provide accountability and encouragement, both of which are essential for achieving your health objectives. If you're feeling exhausted after a long day, it can be easy to want to forgo your afternoon workout. However, having a friend to work out with can be a great motivator and hold you accountable. Alternatively, joining a fitness club or using a fitness app can also be beneficial. Fitness apps are a great way to track progress and log workouts. A support system doesn't have to be complex; it could be as simple as a significant other, a close friend, or a wellness coach. Reward Success. Once you've achieved a goal you have set, treat yourself to something you enjoy as a reward. Whether it be a nice meal at your favorite restaurant or a shopping spree, use this reward as an incentive to help you reach your next objective. Relieve stressors. Your goals can be a cause of stress. You may be overwhelmed by the pressure or have negative thoughts if you don't reach the goals you have set. Getting too stressed when you don't reach your goals can lead to frustration and anger. Lack of sleep can cause your body to become exhausted, and decreased energy can interfere with your ability to stay motivated. Stress is an inevitable part of life; however, being constantly tense is detrimental to both your
physical and mental health. It is essential for your health to reduce the persistent stress of day-to-day living as much as you can.