Staying Motivated and Tackling the January Blues

This time of year, many of us are feeling a bit down. Gray winter weather, holiday fun behind us, credit card bills in the mailbox, it’s time to start thinking about taxes—and we realize how far short we are in keeping our New Year’s Resolutions. Is it any wonder some people feel a bit unmotivated as January clicks by?

The best way to overcome the lack of motivation is to take action. You don’t have to fix everything at once, but taking any small step toward your goal can re-energize and revitalize your focus and get you back on track.

In an article featured this month in Corporate Health and Wellness Magazine,  we discuss the role education plays in meeting health-related goals. We know how hard it is to get motivated to quit smoking, lose weight or start an exercise program. Lifelong habits, favorite comfort foods, the desire to sleep in and instinctive reactions to stress seem like huge obstacles to overcome, and who has the time or energy to climb those mountains?

There are a myriad of programs that say “just do it,”—start this eating plan, wear this patch, join our gym. However, education specialists know that this only goes so far. Educational designers have shown that awareness of a problem is a key to changing it. That knowledge must be coupled with a plan of action, and is even stronger when there is some kind of reinforcement. But you must first be aware of the problem. Motivation often develops from understanding there’s an issue to be tackled and then being given the weapons to win the fight.

As you begin to meet your goals, the satisfaction you receive from that accomplishment becomes its own motivating factor. Before you know it, you’re making healthier choices on a consistent basis.

It doesn’t have to be rocket science. It can be as simple setting a reminder on your computer or smartphone to go to the gym after work (acknowledging the problem), making a commitment to get to the gym (a plan of action),  and seeing a more toned reflection in the mirror (positive reinforcement).

So what are you doing to beat the January doldrums? What has worked for you when you need to get motivated to do something?

Here’s to getting back on track and kicking those January blues!

Photo by designsbykari