Kicking off a new healthy routine or picking an old one back up takes more than resolve. You also need this step-by-step plan.
Who among us has not vowed that, this year, visible abs are happening. That only lean proteins, fresh veggies and whole grains will land on our plate. That eight hours of sleep will totally be the norm.
Then…February.
“Once that initial glow of following a wellness routine has diminished and reality sets in, it starts to feel like, ‘Well, I don’t need to do this’ or ‘I’ll do it tomorrow,’ and the routine fizzles,” says Sasha Heinz, PhD, a developmental psychologist and mindset coach who specializes in goal-setting and behavior change. Researchers at the University of Scranton actually quantified this phenomenon in a landmark study of 200 people making New Year’s resolutions: Only 19 percent actually stuck to their positive changes for at least two years. That’s because most people did little to reinforce and support their new goals, so their good intentions fell by the wayside.
Whether you’re in that 81 percent or your wellness routine recently went MIA, taking these steps can put you in a full-on sprint toward any healthy habit.
“Once that initial glow of following a wellness routine has diminished and reality sets in, it starts to feel like, ‘Well, I don’t need to do this’ or ‘I’ll do it tomorrow,’ and the routine fizzles.”
Sasha Heinz
PhD, Developmental Psychologist
Words: Marissa Stephenson
Illustration: Davide Bonazzi
Take It Further
For more expert-backed guidance on mindset, as well as movement, nutrition, recovery and sleep, check out the Nike Training Club app.
Take It Further
For more expert-backed guidance on mindset, as well as movement, nutrition, recovery and sleep, check out the Nike Training Club app.