New Year, New Habits
The start of 2025 is a perfect time to focus on creating healthy habits that can improve your well-being for the long term. However, many people struggle to make these changes stick.
5 Tips to Help You Adopt New Habits Effectively and Avoid Common Pitfalls
1 – Take Baby Steps
Trying to overhaul your life overnight can be overwhelming and unsustainable. Instead, focus on one or two small, manageable habits at a time. For example, commit to drinking an extra glass of water daily or taking a 10-minute walk. Once these habits feel natural, gradually add more.
2 – Be Specific and Set Clear Goals
Vague goals like “eat healthier” or “exercise more” can be hard to stick to. Define your habits in specific terms. For example, decide to “eat a vegetable with every meal” or “exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week.” Clear goals make it easier to track your progress and stay motivated.
3 – Create a Routine and Stick to It
Consistency is key when building habits. Attach your new habit to an existing routine, such as brushing your teeth or preparing your morning coffee. This technique, known as habit stacking, helps integrate new behaviors into your daily life easily and seamlessly.
4 – Track Your Progress
Use a journal, app, or calendar to track your habits. Seeing your progress visually can boost motivation and provide a sense of accomplishment. Book your habits into your schedule so you carve the time out for your health priorities. If you miss a day, don’t be discouraged. Focus on getting back on track quickly rather than striving for perfection.
5 – Find Accountability and Support
Share your goals with a friend, family member, or trainer. Having someone to encourage you and celebrate your wins can make a significant difference. Consider working with a coach or joining a group focused on similar habits to stay motivated and offer support.
What to Avoid When Adopting New Habits
Setting Unrealistic Expectations
Avoid aiming for drastic changes that are hard to sustain. Small, consistent efforts yield better long-term results.
Relying on Motivation Alone
Motivation fluctuates. Focus on building discipline and routines to keep going even on tough days when you’re not feeling inspired.
Negative Self-Talk
Be kind to yourself if you slip up. Viewing setbacks as learning opportunities instead of failures can help you maintain momentum. Striving for perfection can be the enemy of progress!
Building new habits takes time and patience, but the payoff is worth it. By starting small, being consistent, and seeking support, you can create lasting changes that improve your health and happiness well beyond the new year.
Yours in health & fitness,
Sherri McMillan
Healthy Habits Free Community Workshop: Are you ready to transform your health goals from mere dreams into lasting habits that become part of who you are? Join Trainer Carson Aquino as he shares effective strategies for cultivating a healthier lifestyle in 2025. With credentials as a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Specialist, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and EMT, Carson brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. This is a discussion you won’t want to miss!
Date: Thursday, January 23rd, 2025
Time: 6:45pm – 7:45pm
Location: NWPT – 1011 Broadway Street
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.