It’s probably safe to say that everyone is done with 2020. What a year it has been! Most people are welcoming 2021 with open arms and hoping for a better year ahead. For many, the new year comes with a newfound resolve to get healthy. This desire to reset habits may be more applicable than ever as we say goodbye to an unprecedented year of stress and uncertainty. Stress may have contributed to unhealthy coping strategies, like overeating, too much alcohol or smoking.

If you’re feeling super motivated to kick start a healthier lifestyle, that’s terrific! It is, however, very common for that enthusiasm to wane. But even if you falter, if you have the right mindset, you can still achieve your goals. So, when you hit the reset button in 2021, be sure to incorporate these 5 strategies and remember: getting healthy is a process, not an event!

1) Make A Plan.

In the words of John Steinbeck, “to find where you are going, you must know where you are.” Changing your habits to align with your health and wellness goals first requires an assessment of where you are currently. From there, you can build a realistic plan. If you have a long list of things you are hoping to accomplish, start by asking yourself: “what is my number one priority?” Let that answer dictate where you focus your efforts first.

2) Give Your Environment a Makeover.

Your environment impacts your health immensely. Be sure to stock up on foods that promote health and fight disease. It’s so much easier to avoid junk food if it isn’t even an option! Take some time to assess your physical surroundings at home and work, and consider how they may be impacting your health. From there, you can make a plan to ditch what isn’t helping, and surround yourself with things that will help you thrive.

3) Ditch the All-Or-Nothing Mentality.

Despite all the gimmicky products and fad diets on the market, there is no such thing as a quick fix or short-term solution for health improvement. This is a long-term plan that must be realistically designed and implemented with self-compassion and an acceptance (and embracing!) of imperfections. An all-or-nothing way of thinking is a dangerous mentality can have you perceiving something totally benign -- like occasionally eating dessert or missing a day of exercise -- as a complete “failure.” This negative self-talk could cause you to beat yourself up, throw in the towel, and fall back on bad habits. It is precisely this way of thinking that explains that deserted gym by March! So, strive for progress, not perfection. If you set out to be perfect, you will be setting yourself up for disappointment because perfect is not an attainable goal. Every day is a new opportunity to start again.

4) Be Honestly Self-Aware.

Adopt a healthy and realistic mindset when it comes to your health and well-being. Manage your own expectations about what is realistic for you to accomplish. If you aren’t doing any physical activity at the moment, setting a goal to be active for 60 minutes every day is going from 0 to, well, 60! Set smaller targets initially, and once you achieve those goals, you can always modify them. Be sure to pat yourself on the back for any and all accomplishments, however small they may be, and try not to beat yourself up over any imperfections. (And don’t forget rule #3.)  

5) Don't be Afraid to Fail.

It’s important to keep an open mind on your health and wellness journey. Take chances and try new things. Don’t assume you won’t like kale, because if that’s what you’re thinking, then you clearly haven’t tried this kale salad! Reframe any “set-backs” as learning opportunities and turn them into comebacks. Every experience is valuable in that it will help you along on your journey. Stay positive and enjoy the ride!