The beginning of this new year probably inspired you to set goals for 2018.

You might have even made a promise to be your best self ever.

Though, do you really know what your “best self” looks like? Furthermore, how do you even reach this goal?

Although a vague promise like this usually come with good intent, it can fizzle out quickly. So, how do you even get there?

The best approach is to turn these goals for 2018 into habits. When you make a behavior a habit, it becomes less of a conscious decision and more second nature. Thus, you will spend more time enjoying your new lifestyle and less time fighting with your own willpower.

Here are a few sustainable and very practical ways to get you started.

1. Get Your Body Moving

As with most advice on changing your life, exercise tops the list. Here’s the thing about exercising: it’s a lot less complicated than most people think.

You don’t need a perfectly toned body to be your best self. But exercise has been proven to improve your mood, promote good sleep, and increase your overall health.

So, find something you enjoy doing that gets you moving, and do it!

For instance, go for a walk or kick a soccer ball with the kids. Chase the dog around the yard or do jumping jacks while you watch your favorite sitcom. There’s nothing complicated about that.

2. Soak Up the Sun

Unsurprisingly, sunshine and exercise are both on the same team. They work hand in hand to promote better health. Granted, you can’t spend all day in the sun or you’ll fry your skin. That certainly won’t make you your best self!

However, you can make one of your goals for 2018 spending at least 15 minutes in direct sunlight a day. Doing this will increase your vitamin D intake, help you feel more positive, and can give you a huge energy boost.

3. Bump Quality Sleep Up on Your Priority List

Many people underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. But 7-9 hours of solid slumber can rejuvenate you in more ways than one.

Not only does your body need rest for cell regeneration, which helps you heal from aches and pains faster, but it also gives your immune system a serious turbo charge.

A great way to make sure to tuck yourself in on time is to establish a bedtime routine. Start winding down at the same time every night and stick to a calming routine each night, such as reading or meditating.

4. Get Your Shots

It wasn’t that long ago when people were dying from diseases that are currently preventable with vaccinations. Even now, there are adults who lose their lives to the flu. Not a good option for being your best self.

The recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is simply to get vaccinated. The scientific evidence is overwhelming and points in the direction of longer lives due to modern day medicine.

5. Enrich Your Social Life

Though some might view a social life as a luxury, the bottom line is that we are social creatures. It’s only natural for you to desire to connect with other people. This year, make one of your goals for 2018 to nurture your relationship more than ever.

Set weekly dates for coffee with a friend or go to dinner with your partner. Empty your schedule of “extras” and fill it with time to reconnect with your family and circle of friends.

6. Eat More Clean Food

Getting healthy probably ranks high on your list of goals for 2018. After all, it promotes you being your best self.

A good place to start is by limiting what goes in your mouth. While it can be difficult to eat clean in the middle of a busy lifestyle, a few small changes can help. For instance, eat out less and make more meals from scratch.

These two things alone can seem like huge impossibilities. So, take it in stride. Consider this: just by making one more meal at home per week you’re already eating healthier.

7. Cut Out the “Bad Stuff”

Of course, by “bad stuff” I mean sugar and smoking. Cutting these from your life will be the biggest steps in reaching your “best self” goals for 2018.

The best way to accomplish this is to find habit replacements. To replace your sugar cravings, eat more fruit and drink infused water. To combat your smoking habit, wear nicotine patches or chew nicotine gum. On top of that, replace your usual snack/smoking breaks with a positive activity.

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If you’ve set goals for 2018 and are ready to reach those goals, please contact me. I’m happy to provide support and my expertise. Together, we can work on establishing a plausible game plan for improving your life.