Head Into The New Year Like a Boss!

2024 is just around the corner, are you ready for it?

The new year always creates such a whirlwind of excitement, things we want to achieve, and goals we want to meet. We say to ourselves "I'm going to stick to my resolutions once and for all!" Yet, if you're like the 90%+ of resolution-makers, within the first 6 weeks of the new year, you have already abandoned any goals you had set out for yourself. I want to help you STOP that once and for all and get to 12/31/24 proud of yourself for sticking to your game plan and achieving almost everything you set out to accomplish for the year! And that starts with having our 2024 plan of attack!

How To Prepare For The New Year & What To Do Once 1/1/24 Hits!

1. Come up with a list of 3 - 5 reasonable goals. Let's not get crazy here with a list of a million things we want to accomplish! When we set our sights too high, that generally leads to burnout, and us throwing in the towel. Once you get your goals made, I want you to write them down and hang them up everywhere! Your desk, bathroom mirror, fridge... let those goals be a constant reminder for you!

2. Pick out a few books you would like to read. Pick one that is enjoyable and funny, a motivational book, and one to help you learn something. Once the new year begins, I want you to read every day for 10 minutes and get into that habit of 10 minutes of downtime. Right before bed is usually a great time to start this habit so we are free from our phones and TV.

3. Start drinking your water! I want to see you consistently drinking a gallon of water by the end of January. I know that sounds hard, but here are some easy ways to get your water in: When you first wake up, drink 8oz. of water. If you want to speed up your digestive system and metabolism, make that water hot (tea temp) and add in 1 TBS of lemon juice and if you're feeling spicy, a dash of cayenne! Along with that, before every meal and snack, I want you to drink 8oz. of water, and before drinking any caffeinated beverage, drink 8oz. of water. During your workouts, you should be drinking anywhere from 16oz. - 24oz. If you're new to drinking this much, I would suggest laying off the water a couple of hours before bedtime to avoid that 3am bathroom call!

4. Meditate. Trust me, I know that is something very hard to do, but the benefits are amazing, even if it's only 5 to 10 minutes! As someone who doesn't have a lot of time for myself and has a hard time sitting still, I have made tremendous strides with my stress and sleep with adding in meditation! My recommendations are either the Headspace (they have a great beginner series) or the Calm app. My husband and I have gone to sleep every night for over a year listening to a bedtime story from the Calm app! I'm asleep within 6 minutes of listening to a story!

5. Get in 8,000 - 10,000 steps a day! Better yet, take those steps outside and take in some fresh air and vitamin D! https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/brisk-walking-1-to-2-days-a-week-reduce-all-cause-cardiovascular-mortality#:~:text=Briskly%20walking%208%2C000%20or%20more,%2Dyear%20follow%2Dup%20period.

6. DND. "Do not disturb". Start putting your phone on DND an hour before bed, while you're working out and while you are with family. Make it a habit for "No phones during dinner" so that your focus is on your food and company, not your phone. Did you know that we tend to overeat or do mindless eating when we are on our phones? Those added mindless calories can add up to 10lbs+ a year!

7. Your Top 3 Accomplishments For the Day. Before bed, I want you to think about (or better yet, write in a journal!) 3 things you are proud of yourself for accomplishing that day. They don't have to be major, simply not hitting the snooze button can be a huge accomplishment for many! (Like myself!) Going to bed with positive affirmations helps us sleep better and wake up eager to take on the day!

8. Pack Your Workout Bag The Day Before. As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail! Before you can talk yourself out of a great workout, lay out your workout clothes and have them ready by the door! Don't forget to include that post-workout protein snack or shake! Even if you don't have time to get in a workout that day, even a simple 15 min. can provide you with some added physical and mental benefits! Check out the fitness section of my blog for some quick workouts, or my @home workouts ebook!

9. Schedule Yourself As A Daily Appointment. Whether it's for your workout time, outside time, reading or meditation, I want you to make an ongoing daily calendar entry for "Me time!" Remember, you can't expect to take care of others if you don't take care of yourself first!

10. Be Prepared With Meals and Snacks. One of the biggest things that lead us to fail our resolutions when it comes to health, is not being prepared with what we eat. Start checking out some recipes (I have a ton of great ones in my blog!) When it comes to meals and snacks, protein is always king! Focus on protein and the rest will fall into place!