Are you having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day? Well, wake up, honey! You’re dreaming if you think every new dawn is going to be peachy-keen perfect. Bad hair days will happen. You’ll cave and eat a slice of your co-worker’s birthday cake. You’re human, but you’re also a strong, sexy beast and can still turn this day into a success!
Each morning you set goals for yourself, even if it’s just a three-point to-do list you keep in your head. Whether you aim to get through all emails by 11 am, make plans with your long-lost friend or exercise for at least 30 minutes, you have things to accomplish in the next 24 hours. These personal goals ““ no matter how big or small ““ are created to help us feel successful. But when one thing goes wrong, we become overshadowed by the negative. These five steps will help steer you back in the right direction.
1. Get real with yourself
I love to dream big and have lots of goals, too, but it’s also important to make sure they’re realistic and achievable. Instead of wanting to lose 10 pounds in one week, aim for a healthy, long-term lifestyle change that’s geared more toward losing 1 ½ – 2 pounds per week. Sure, you’ll miss a workout and slip up on your healthy eating now and again, but don’t beat yourself up over it. Simply accept the misstep, brush it off and get right back on track — always keeping your eye on the prize!
2. Shop “˜til you drop
Have you ever felt icky in your favorite outfit? I didn’t think so. Ladies, it’s time to ditch the baggy gray sweatpants and saggy shapeless hoodie and treat yourself to a wardrobe makeover. When you look put together and polished, you feel better (even at the gym!). It’s proven. Fact. Now go take a lunch break and invest in your confidence.
3. Find your “˜why’
Got motivation? Ask yourself why you want to achieve your goals. Do you exercise for more energy? Do you work hard at your job to please your boss or to climb the corporate ladder? The answer is your motivational tool to keep going and never give up. Think about your “˜why’ every day so you stay on track. If you want to lose weight, for instance, take a before photo and look at it daily. This will help you remember your reason and make it stick!
4. Get moving
This one is obvious. Exercising releases feel-good endorphins. That means you can have the worst day ever and feel absolutely blissful after a good sweat session. The next time you’re fuming with smoke coming out of your ears, go for a walk. You’ll have time to think things through and unload the negative energy. Any form of exercise will do. I like daily yoga and meditation, but do whatever moves you.
5. Eat breakfast
I know it sounds too easy”¦because it is. Being in the fitness industry for over 10 years, I’ve learned that if I start my day by eating a muscle-licious breakfast my day is already super successful. The logic is clear: you exercise to burn fat and calories while sculpting your lean bod, so now you have to feed your body to keep the fat-burning engine running, your muscles strong and your energy levels up.