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2016 is here and that means it’s time for New Year’s resolutions. Why not make getting your body in tip-top shape a priority this year? Here are five steps to get you in the shape of your life in 2016 (really, this is your year).
1. Understand the mind/body relationship
Mind is body, and body is mind – you can’t split the two; they are intimately entwined.
Your journey to complete fitness in 2016 shouldn’t start by going for a jog or hitting the gym. You first need to set the foundation for unstoppable success with a positive mindset.
When your mindset is positive, you feel in control of your destiny. Rather than feeling like a victim and blaming outside forces for your lack of results, you take full responsibility for your circumstances and take the action needed to meet your fitness goals. It’s remarkably empowering.
So before your training and nutrition begins, take some time to kick your mindset into gear. Focus on moving from negative to positive, from victim to leader. From this positive, empowered space, the process of eating clean and training regularly will fall into place without resistance. After all, your outside world is nothing but a reflection of your inside world.
2. Build upon the three-pillars
To reach and maintain your ultimate fitness, you need a three-pillar approach to wellness: mindset, nutrition, and training.
First, it’s about developing and nurturing a strong mindset so you have the motivation to change. Next, you must eat food that nourishes your body and gives you energy and emotional stability. And lastly, you must take the time to work out. All three are necessary to meet your fitness goals, lose weight and be the ultimate version of you in 2016 – drop the ball on one and the whole thing comes crumbling down.
3. Avoid “quick fixes” and eat like your ancestors
When it comes to healthy nutrition – newer is rarely better! If you want lean abs in 2016, stay away from the fad diets and quick fixes at all costs.
Most of these diets are full of processed and refined foods and rely heavily on will power. You might see some initial results, but when things get stressful at work, or your social calendar starts filling up, you’ll be reaching for the nearest doughnut and back into your old ways in no time.
Instead, eat what humans were designed to eat – whole, natural food that’s come from the earth and nourishes your body and your mind.
Roughly 14 days of eating this way will obliterate your cravings for fatty, sugary, salty food and you’ll start preferring apples to apple pie! You’ll also find that you can cope better with stress and bounce back from “diet setbacks” with minimal fuss.
4. Consistency and persistence
A wise man once said, “Consistency means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do, LONG after the mood you said it in has left you”, and when it comes the health and fitness – nothing is more true.
Regardless of how strong your mindset is, there will be times (probably more often than not) when you don’t feel like eating healthy food or going to the gym. Just remember that results come to the patient and persistent, be it in nutrition, training, or working achieving a peak performance mindset.
As clichéd as it sounds, consistency trumps brilliance every time. Devise a fitness and diet routine and stick with it, even when it’s no longer the “latest and greatest” fad to hit the market. You’re physique will thank you for it.
5. Self-compassion
When you fall off the bandwagon, be kind to yourself. No need to feel guilty for days on end. Accept that you slipped, give yourself a break and bounce back and into your healthy lifestyle ASAP. As Rocky Balboa said, “It’s not about how many times you get knocked down but about how many times you get back up”.
If you want to get into the best shape of your life in 2016, you can rest assured these five tips work. Vow to make them your New Year’s resolution so you can transform into the best version of yourself for 2016.
About the Author
Andy Anderson is the CEO of Ultimate You. Its three pillars of change methodology, mindset, nutrition and training, has helped thousands of people to transform their mind, body and life outlook and become lean, energetic and healthy. Ultimate You’s 9to6 Challenge is an innovative tailored program designed to help people lose nine kilograms in six weeks. Rather than focus solely on fitness, the program helps people to change their mindset to eliminate self-sabotage and move towards personal goals without resistance.