As the holidays come to a close, it's time to think of some New Years resolutions for 2013. Whether it be losing 10 pounds, eating healthier, spending less money or getting a work promotion, there is one common thing you really need: Motivation! Motivation, which is a key factor for achieving any goal, will help you get what you want out of the new year.
It's time to flex that mental muscle of yours and strengthen your willpower.
Eat for energy. The healthier food you can put into your body, the better off you will be in the coming year. Studies have shown that people whose blood sugar is at a healthier level, have more self-control when it comes to junk food and binge eating. When your blood sugar drops, you tend to eat unhealthier food, and
more of it. Eat smaller, well-balanced meals and snacks every few hours to help with your blood sugar and energy. Choose a combination of foods packed with protein, fiber and complex carbs.
Find your personal focus. With the technology-filled world we live in, it can be really difficult to zero in on one thing, other than a new Facebook status. The best solution is to eliminate as many distractions as you can, rather than just simply ignoring them. At work, close your door to block out noise or keep earphones at your desk. It may also help to put your phone on silent, and turn down email notifications. When you sit around waiting for your phone to go off, it's hard to truly focus on what's important. Work promotion, here you come!
Schedule your week out. Now, I am not saying to "make plans to make plans," but it does help if you can plan out some of your busy week before it begins. On Sunday night, plan your gym routines, meals, outfits and what extra things you may have planned, like dinner dates with the girls. This way, you have less decisions to make to each day, which will give you more time for focus on the bigger things.
Don't question exercising. Don't even bother debating if you should go to the gym or not. To start a consistent workout routine, find a good time in your day that you will always be able to commit to. Pack your gym bag and put it in the car, so you have no excuse to skip the gym after work. Once you get used to it, you will feel better (and look better!) and it will just feel like part of your weekly routine.
Hang out with the right people. When looking to motivate yourself, with exercising and becoming more productive, don't hang with your lazy friends. Don't cut them off, just make more time for hanging with your friends who share the same motivation as you. Maybe even invite some of your lazy friends for a run, and they may discover their motivation too!
Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter.
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