New Year’s Resolutions for Bodybuilders – Tips for Success

The new year brings fresh hope for a new beginning. Yet unfortunately, despite their best efforts, most people will fail to achieve their New Year resolutions.

Did you know that only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions? [1]

If you don’t want your fitness resolutions to become yet another statistic I would recommend that you continue reading.

The following article will give you the tools you need to succeed and make your goals a reality. [toc]

Why Do New Year’s Resolutions Fail?

If you have ever visited a gym in January you would have noticed just how much busier it is than any other time of the year.

While this early enthusiasm should be applauded it is usually short-lived, with fewer members in February and March before it goes back to the same old regulars. What is the reason for this?

The main reason why people are unable to stick to their New Year resolutions is that they are trying too hard, and are unable to maintain the effort.

Most of those who make these resolutions are not willing to be patient. They want to change, but they want to change immediately. Unfortunately, this is not possible.

When they first make the resolution they are full of enthusiasm, and seeing those early changes will make them think that they could reach their goals in just a few short weeks or months.

The truth is that these early efforts will leave you to feel exhausted, both physically and mentally.

When this occurs most will return to their old habits, and any physical changes will quickly be lost.

Rather than looking at your fitness resolution as a sprint, you should look at it as a marathon. Slow and steady will enable you to reach the finish line, and ensure your goals are met.

Tips to Stay on Track

Here are some tips to help you achieve your New Year’s fitness goals:

#1: Make Achievable Goals

While it is good to have a larger goal in mind, you also need to set much smaller goals that are easier to achieve.

By setting these smaller goals you are able to keep your enthusiasm high as you are able to celebrate each small success achieved.

These small goals should be measurable and if possible attainable within a specific time-frame.

#2: Set Out A Clear Plan

No doubt you have a goal to build muscle, or strength, or perhaps both. And chances are you have a general idea of how you are going to achieve this goal.

So what is stopping you? Well, your goal is too general.

Rather than saying that you want to build muscle, you need to be more specific. You need your goal to evoke an emotion from you.

For example, if you want a six-pack, why do you want a six-pack? Is it to help you impress the ladies?

How will you feel once you achieve this goal? Also, how will you feel if you don’t achieve this goal?

Use these positive and negative emotions to help push you towards achieving your goals.

#3: Believe You Can Achieve

If you start doubting that you will achieve your goals then you will never achieve your goals.

There will be plenty of people who have achieved similar goals, and you should use their achievement as inspiration for your own success.

If they can do it, then so can you.

#4: Be Committed

You can make all the plans in the world, but if you are unable or unwilling to remain committed to achieving your goal it will never become a reality.

Whatever adversity you face on your journey you must remain determined and resolute.

#5: Focus On Health

Most people who choose to undergo a fitness transformation do so for the wrong reason, and usually, that is to look better.

While this is a good goal, better health is an even better goal to aim for.

Yes, a six pack would be nice, but what about healthier cholesterol levels or a reduced risk of heart disease or diabetes?

For me, these health benefits are a much better goal. And one that would inspire me to a greater effect.

#6: Set Up A Clear Plan

“Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail”

I’m sure many of you have heard this saying, and it is true. If you want to succeed at your fitness resolutions then you need to make a plan that will enable you to stay productive and on track.

There are plenty of tools available to help you create a plan.

Choose a workout plan that meets your goals and stick to it. Flip-flopping between plans is not recommended as you need to be committed to your goal.

#7: Make The Right Choices

This can be a daunting thought, but too many bad decisions will limit your chances of success.

Once you have made your plan you should try to stick to it as well as possible. Of course, the occasional slip-up won’t make too much of a difference, but too many will.

#8: Don’t Put Things Off

Are you one of those people who make excuses not to do something? “I’ll do it later when I have more time”.

We all do it from time to time, and chances are you have a list of things in your head at this very moment.

Of course, some things have a higher priority, but if your fitness goals are bottom of the list then you are never going to achieve your goals.

If you really want to make changes to your body then you will need to rearrange your priorities and stop procrastinating.

#9: Push Past The Tough Start

The hardest part of your journey to fitness is the beginning, and it usually at this moment that most people will quit.

If you are able to push past this initial tough start then any new habits will become easier and will become almost second nature to you.

Doing things for long enough, and it will soon become a habit that will be hard to break.

#10: Stop Making Excuses

Yes, genetics has a part to play but there is more to a good body than simply genetics.

With the right training and nutrition, you can overcome some of these genetic obstacles. This is why you often see such dramatic transformations on TV Shows like the Biggest Loser.

Of course, some of these contestants are unable to maintain their transformation long term, but this is not down to genetics but rather the influence of their environment.

Rather than falling for these old excuses, take charge and stick to the plan you have created for yourself.

#11: Learn What Motivates You

We all get motivated by different things. For some of you, just getting in shape is motivation enough. While others will be motivated knowing that their health has improved.

Whatever your motivation is you need it to create a strong emotional connection. Otherwise, it won’t motivate you enough to overcome any plateau that will eventually arise.

#12: Treat Yourself Occasionally

This tip may contradict our seventh tip but it is important that you allow yourself the occasional indulgence.

Sometimes your body needs a break from training, so allow yourself the occasional day off or the occasional cheat meal. A cheat meal may even be a good idea if you are bulking.

Just remember that these treats should be used to reward your good behaviour and should not be used as the norm.

You don’t even need to reward yourself with food. You could treat yourself to a day out, or some new gym clothes to show off your newly-acquired gains.

#13: Keep Track of Your Progress

If you keep a workout log you can look back over it when you are feeling unmotivated to see just how much progress you have made.

For example, if you feel like your bench press hasn’t improved, look through your log to see how much weight you were lifting just a few short months ago. I have no doubt that this will give you an instant lift.

I would also recommend adding progress photos too. To show how your body has changed due to the training.

#14: Find a Workout Buddy

If you lack motivation then finding a workout buddy can help.

Your buddy will hold you accountable for inaction, as you won’t want to let them down. Plus, exercise is much more enjoyable with someone else. That is unless you like being a lone wolf.

#15: Hire a Trainer

A trainer might seem like an expensive option, but if you are new to training then maybe it will be a good option.

They can teach you the correct form, so that you get the maximum results from your efforts, while also ensuring you do not injure yourself in the process.

A good trainer can also help keep you motivated and will hold you accountable for your actions, or rather inaction.

Just make sure when choosing a trainer that you find one that you see eye-to-eye with, and one that you feel will help you reach your goals, without breaking your budget.

In Conclusion

Hopefully, by now you would have learnt a few techniques to help you achieve your New Year fitness goals.

Remember that if you want to see progress you have to keep working towards them, and to not give up at the first sign of trouble.

Celebrate the small goals, and before long it will add up to a much larger transformation.

Some of these tips can also be used to help you achieve other goals. So put them into practice and start moving towards a new healthier and happier new you. Good luck!