Are you someone who gets results and loses them? Do you start out really committed to your regimen and then fall off the wagon? Maintaining longterm success with your health and fitness goals can be challenging. I’ve had several people ask me about what I do and I’ve discussed this clients many times.
1. Plan
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” – Winston Churchill
Planning is essential to maintaining longterm success with your health and fitness goals. I always plan out everything. When Monday rolls around, I know exactly what days during the week I plan on getting my workout in, what time I’m getting my workout in, and what I’m going to eat throughout the day. Week after week my plan is virtually the same with a few minor tweaks here and there. I even make sure I plan out when to have treat meals.
Along with planning for the obvious, I try to plan for the unexpected. As much as I try to plan out everything, I know that there are some days where nothing will go according to plan and I try to prepare for that as well. I try to be prepared for every possible situation. It really helps me stay focused and true to my goals.
2. Accountability
Hold yourself accountable. I find that is easier to maintain longterm success when you have the support of a spouse, friend, coworker, family member or coach. Better yet, it will be even easier if you and someone else are going on this journey together. Right now Justin and I are both working towards the same end goal. Having him on board with what I’m doing has made this process more enjoyable and sustainable! Not only that but we really hold each other accountable, we do our best to encourage each other to stay focused and stay on track.
Working with a coach or a trainer, whether virtual or in person is the best way to hold yourself accountable. Being able to check in with them once a week, twice a week and discuss your progress will really help keep you on track. When you know that someone is expecting you check in, show up for a workout, etc. it will make you much more likely to see it through and put the work in.
3. Forgive
Not everyday is going to be perfect. There will be some days throughout your journey where you might fall off the wagon, and that is okay. In these situations, it’s best to just forgive your mistakes and get right back on track. Don’t feel guilty, its important to remember that one small meal will not undo weeks worth of work.
I find it best, to not dwell on how I slipped up. Driving myself crazy thinking about it won’t erase what just happened. Instead, I choose to forgive myself and get right back on track.
4. Practice Patience & Consistency
You didn’t get to where you were overnight and you won’t lose it all overnight either. Every single day make a conscious effort to be consistent with your healthy choices. We’ve written an entire different post on practicing the elements of patience and consistency.
Everyday I remind myself to be patient and everyday I’m consistently making smart food choices and exercising. Practicing patience and consistency will help me maintain longterm success.
If you haven’t already checked out our patience and consistency article, you can do so here: https://patienceconsistency.com/patience-consistency/
What do you do to maintain longterm success? Comment below and let us know.
Leave a Reply