Navigating the new year: how to keep your resolutions throughout 2021

2020 was a year of unexpected surprises – both good and bad – which is why the excitement of the upcoming new year also brings about a determination to do things better. Our 2020 resolutions may have been left unchecked, but that doesn’t mean we should give up on them altogether. Enter 2021 with a renewed sense of purpose and strive to stay consistently motivated. 

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to reflect on what you want to achieve. Remember that every moment, no matter how small you think it might be, will mean something in the long run. Here are five ways you can stay inspired this 2021: 

Think and dream big. 

Instead of making an extensive list of resolutions, think of 1-3 major milestones you’d like to achieve and your reasons for choosing these goals. If you’re hoping to adopt healthier eating habits, for example, analyzing your attitude toward eating may help you better control what you consume – it also might be the push you need to eat real and nutritious food, drink more water, and refrain from eating too much.

Break down that big dream into small, realistic steps. 

Come up with easy, doable tasks that will allow you to slowly reach your goal. It can be as simple as taking a certain number of steps each day or getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night. These simple habits allow you to move well daily, build strength, and improve your energy throughout the day. Small changes can make a huge difference in the span of a year. Keeping a wearable tracker like Fitbit can allow you to monitor your fitness data and adjust to these little changes in your body.

Reward yourself.

Working from home makes it tough to navigate the distractions that come up and maintain focus. These issues are to be expected in this unprecedented time, so allow yourself to celebrate the littlest things and learn how to rest and recover when you feel tired. You can also try investing in workout gear that will make you feel good and excited to get your sweat on. Whether it’s a new pair of workout shorts, running sneakers or a new band for your Fitbit–a new look might help you stay energized!

Find a community.

Although we are entering the new year in quarantine, there are still plenty of ways to keep in touch with other people. Working out with your family and friends is not only more enjoyable – you’re also more likely to stay on track. A workout buddy increases the amount of exercise people will motivate themselves to do, especially when there’s a layer of emotional support. You can even keep each other accountable by using an app like Fitbit to join larger communities and track your individual progresses.

Understand what’s best for your whole person.

Over time, the physical strain from stress can contribute to a variety of health problems if unmanaged, like an increased risk for high blood pressure and heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders like anxiety or depression. Noticing the positive effects on your body can make sticking with habits down the road a lot easier. It’s time to practice mindfulness! Remember that the habit-building process you’re going through now is also your way of caring for your entire well-being.

Health and wellness are lifetime aspirations, and Fitbit’s mission has always been to make everyone in the world healthier. The company pioneered the wearables industry 13+ years ago making fitness tracking a cultural phenomenon — helping you understand your health and wellness by tracking key metrics. From the moment you wake up to the moment you rest your head at night, Fitbit believes that every bit makes a big impact because every step you take to living a healthier life makes all the difference. It’s time to prioritize your health goals and utilize the technology that can help you get there.