Why?

It’s that time of year where you start to make changes. You say to yourself “Right, that’s it! New year, new me” and “I’m definitely doing it this time!”. But that last statement alone says a lot... “...this time!” It shows that you may have tried it already or that you have tried something similar in the past.



Whether it is the 1st or 3rd time you are going to shift some excess pounds, join the gym or start running (insert goal here), you need to know your WHY. Without knowing and recognising your WHY you are unlikely to sustain the change over the longer term. If the going gets tough, your WHY will be there to steady the ship and to keep you pushing through. Your WHY is the reason you are making the change. It could be something personal or something external, but you need to find it. It might take some time but once you have it, grab onto it and don’t let go. Write it down. Think of all the different ways in which you can build towards it. Make a plan. Do little things that will lead towards it. A house is made brick by brick, you don’t have to build it all in a day.



We also live in the real world though, so you have to be realistic and honest. January is generally cold, wet and dark. The gyms are busy, your being told to not eat this and eat that. Some days you have a bad sleep, some days you are stuck at work or the kids are ill...things happen and life gets in the way! But if you have your WHY this all starts to look clearer. You get over your obstacles and your excuses because you can see what is at the end.



The biggest challenge standing in front of you is you. You are the one who needs to want to change. Yes, you may have support, guidance and help along the way. But without you, your WHY doesn’t exist.



You need to be SMART about things.

S- Specific -

M- Measurable

A- Achievable

R- Realistic

T- Timescale



S- I am going to lose 14lbs

M- I will measure my weight now and then each two weeks.

A- I will achieve this as I have a plan in place

R- It is realistic as it still puts me within a healthy weight range for my height and age

T- I will do this within 8 weeks time



This is where I do suggest writing your WHY down. Visualising it and reiterating it to yourself will reinforce it. Another good idea is a collage, a whiteboard, a notebook...whether it is a collection of pictures, notes or articles to get you inspired, it all helps.



You have the power each day to move a little bit closer to your goals (and feeling awesome). Write or say out loud 2 things right now that make you feel good about yourself. It could be your dedication to something, the smarter breakfast choice you made this morning, the skills you have in a particular field or a goal you have achieved in your life so far.


You are an achiever! You have done it before, you can do it again and again.

And if you have a wedding coming up and that is your WHY, my wife does amazing bridal hair ;) www.katiejanewhitlock.co.uk