The standard to create habits have historically been 21 days. New research suggests the actual number is 66 days to build a new habit. Personally, I usually say put your head down for 90 days and watch your lifestyle change. Habits are most successfully created by setting attainable goals, mapping out a plan with days and times, and making those days non-negotiable. It’s about recreating yourself to become your best version. Those 90 days will go by whether you’re moving towards your goals or away from them, so take the first step to changing your life.
Now before we start let’s get rid of some excuses. Don’t take any of these personally these are just the most common ones everyone deals with.
“I don’t have time” .. managing time can be challenging for sure, but it’s about planning out your week to see where you might have some down time. After jotting down your work, sleep, prepping and eating meals you should see some holes. You will only need about 1 hour per day to make this work.
“I can’t afford it” .. writing down a budget on paper is not only a great idea anyway but it can be pretty eye opening. When I did this exercise, I was surprised on where some of my dollars were going. Whether its spending money on coffee or lunch a few days a week, subscriptions we no longer use, or hobbies we like to spend money on, they can add up quick. It’s about making your “why” to get back in shape bigger than your reasons not to make changes. It’s hard to put a price on your health until your hit with a illness or injury at which point you will be spending way more than the prevention you could have started beforehand.
“I’m not ready yet” .. Everyone is at a different starting line. The key is just get started no matter where you’re at. Workout duration, modifications, and nutrition advice all have to start where you are currently at to meet your specific needs. A lot of people spend a lot of time getting ready to be ready. The reality is you will never be totally ready so just jump in with both feet and do it! If you start a new fitness program today and stick to it for 90 days I promise you will be a different person at the end that time.
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