Courtney Kutler, a USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach and a QT2 Systems certified run and triathlon coach originally wrote a blog post for The Edge regarding one thing most of us has experience failing at - resolutions. Below is a recap of her article:

Courtney Kutler never cared much for New Year’s “Resolutions” since it is such a contrived tradition that most people can’t keep past February.  She asks "why do people fail at keeping their resolutions year after year?"

Below is a recap of why people fail at keeping their resolutions according to Courtney Kulter:

1. No clear path is set for your resolution on how to reach it. How are you going to accomplish your dream or wish?
2. No defined resolution - lose weight, get in shape, be healthier… But what does that mean to you?  How will you know if you succeeded if you do not clearly define it?
3. No realistic resolution.  As soon as they realize they aren’t able to keep the resolution, they give up and sometimes even slide further away from their original plan. This is a pitfall for many people!  They set resolutions that are nearly impossible to attain. 

Courtney further analyzes: "How can you make 2018 different?  How can you succeed this year?  First of all, let’s not call them resolutions.  Let’s call them goals.  Resolutions seem like pass/fail to me. Goals are something you are constantly striving to reach.  Once a goal is reached, you set a new goal.  Goals can take you on a path of improvement through the whole year and beyond!  For many people, goals for the New Year revolve around fitness, weight loss, stress management, nutrition…you get the picture.  We all want to improve health after the holiday season!" 

Below is a recap of some tips to set (and reach) your wellness goals:

1. No clear path is set for your resolution on how to reach it. How are you going to accomplish your dream or wish?
2. No defined resolution - lose weight, get in shape, be healthier… But what does that mean to you?  How will you know if you succeeded if you do not clearly define it?
3. No realistic resolution.  As soon as they realize they aren’t able to keep the resolution, they give up and sometimes even slide further away from their original plan. This is a pitfall for many people!  They set resolutions that are nearly impossible to attain. 

Courtney further analyzes: "How can you make 2018 different?  How can you succeed this year?  First of all, let’s not call them resolutions.  Let’s call them goals.  Resolutions seem like pass/fail to me. Goals are something you are constantly striving to reach.  Once a goal is reached, you set a new goal.  Goals can take you on a path of improvement through the whole year and beyond!  For many people, goals for the New Year revolve around fitness, weight loss, stress management, nutrition…you get the picture.  We all want to improve health after the holiday season!" 

Below is a recap of some tips to set (and reach) your wellness goals:

1. Set small goals. Checking boxes off your to-do list gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to accomplish even more. Setting small goals allows you to feel success sooner and sets you off on the right track for the year.
2. Set a couple BIG goals.These big goals are more of a reach than your smaller goals, but still realistic. Having a couple goals that seem big to you can be very motivating.  Setting goals that “scare” and EXCITE you can be inspiring and will bring you an even greater sense of accomplishment when you achieve them. 
3. Make a roadmap. Would you start a car trip without an idea of how to get to your destination? Just as you would with travel, it’s important to lay out a plan on how you will reach your goals. With wellness goals, it’s helpful to have a coach, a personal trainer and/or a dietician to help you with your roadmap. It’s important that every step you take is bringing you closer to your goal.  Every workout and every meal should be purposeful and planned in a way that is safe and appropriate to your goals.
4. Be accountable.Training with a coach or a group of friends can help keep you accountable. You may not feel like doing a workout one day, but if you know your coach will check in on you or your friends will be disappointed if you don’t show up, you are more likely to keep to your plan.
5. Make it fun! If it’s not enjoyable, you’ll have a hard time sticking to it. Make sure you have some variety in your workouts (and diet!) and incorporate FUN!  Workout with friends, try a new exercise, train with music, run with your dog…whatever it is that brings you joy! Not every workout has to be fun, but the fun workouts are what will keep you coming back for more!

Cheers to a New Year filled with many goals and achievements!!

About Courtney Kutler: Courtney is a USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach and a QT2 Systems certified run and triathlon coach.  Contact her at courtneyk@edgevt.com if you are interested in coaching.