Let’s face it, we all want 2017 to be better than 2016 – that’s why we get excited about setting New Year’s resolutions. Even if we made great accomplishments this year, let’s all resolve to make 2017 even better: More productive, more positive and more about doing what feels right for you! Looking at the calendar I realized that January 1st falls on a Sunday, which means I will bet every last penny that the gyms will be packed on Monday as people fire off a fresh, new start.

Did you know that the top New Year’s resolutions nearly every year have to do with weight loss. In fact, many people resolve to “be healthier” and “get in shape”. Well, you’ve heard me say it before, but that goal is too ambiguous and not S.M.A.R.T.! You have to dig a bit deeper…

Here’s how to set New Year’s resolutions that STICK!

1. Do you know WHY you have set this goal?

Goal-setting is one of my favorite topics to tackle with people. Okay so you want to “lose weight”, but why? No really, why? You have to set your goals for the right reasons – a reason that is compelling enough to get your butt to the gym when you planned and that inspires you to skip the drive thru and cook something at home. It has to provoke emotion and give you that positively fearful and jittery feeling. Some compelling “why’s” would be: Because I want to live longer and healthier than my parents did, because I want to be able to play with my kids at the park and not feel like I can’t breathe, because I want to wear a bikini for the first time and feel sexy! Your real power to change lies in your ability to invision your “why”.

2. Be aware of the impact (positive and negative) of social media

Social media is a huge part of my life and my job. I believe there are so many positive things about it including accountability, encouragement, connection and inspiration. However, there is also a flip side. We’ve all seen those fitness memes that say:

• Do it for those who said you can’t.
• Do it for the haters.
• Do it for the, “Damnnnn, you got hot!”
• Prove them wrong!

I absolutely despise those! No, don’t do it for anyone else but yourself. You have to wake up with yourself every morning, you have to live your life – what good does it do you if anyone else is satisfied with your results?

3. Fight YOUR fight

This isn’t going to be easy – bad habits are really hard to break. They are 100% possible to break, but it’s not a walk in the park. You have to wake up every morning, remind yourself of those goals and be ready for battle. Especially if you’re goal is to quit smoking or reduce sugar intake – those things are physically addicting and it could cause a lot of physical discomfort.

4. Find Your #SupportSquad

If you don’t have anyone to support you, I am here for you. You can join the #SouzaSquad, I will support you every step of the way. Feel free to tweet me your goals or send me a private message on Facebook. I love hearing from you guys and I would be honored to hold you accountable. My dad used to always tell me that the 5 most important words are: Surround yourself with good people! If you notice that there are people in your life who are treating you badly and putting you down the closer you get to your goals, my advice is to simply DROP THEM! Yes, drop them like they’re hot! Stop wasting your valuable time with people who make you feel bad about yourself. Chances are they are just jealous and have personal insecurities that arise when they see you fighting for your goals and dreams. Let me just say this: THIS WILL HAPPEN! So, don’t be surprised. Be ready for those people who want to disrupt your positivity and focus – no matter what, I am here for you.

My favorite quote surrounding this topic is from Edmund Lee: “Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see greatness within you, even when you don’t see it in yourself.”

So you might be wondering…What are MY New Year’s Resolutions?

1. NO purchasing or drinking out of plastic water bottles (bring my own water bottle more often and always BPA free!)
2. Read one book per month (I did this in 2015 as well!)

Additionally, here are some things I just thought of that I want to work on in 2017 as well…

• Be able to do 5 pull-ups in a row
• Improve flexibility and be able to go into a backbend from a standing position
• Practice crow post a bit more (I am getting a lot better!)
• Find a place to do more boxing!

If you want a bit more motivation from another fit chick who made a lot of progress using Runtastic Results in 2016 – check out her blog here to learn more!

Now, I want to hear yours! What are your New Year’s Resolutions for 2017? Let me know by sending me a tweet and let me know if you want to be a part of the #SouzaSquad for support! I love you all and I am looking forward to learning from each other and growing together.