Have you ever found yourself saying “I’ll start on Monday” when it comes to your diet or exercise routine? But then somehow that Monday it turns into the NEXT Monday, then the next? This kind of procrastination is often the number one silent killer of fitness progress and weight loss goals. But how can we move beyond it and into a place where we’re actually making progress and creating a lasting change?
For many years, I found myself unsuccessfully trying to pursue the same set of weight loss and fitness goals. And every year around the holidays, I landed in a familiar place: Feeling stuck. Looking back over the previous year at all the things I didn’t accomplish and peering ahead into the approaching year wondering if this could finally be “the year” I made them happen.
Each year, those goals started to feel a little heavier. Like I was carrying around bricks of past failures and disappointments in myself that I just shouldn’t shake. By December, I would have completely scrapped all my goals and resolutions and find myself thinking: “I’ll start over again in January.” Then the whole cycle would repeat the following year.
Until one year, something changed. Something that would help me begin breaking a lifelong cycle of procrastination and short-lived goal chasing. Today, I’m breaking down how you can begin breaking those same cycles and start making a lasting, genuine change. I shared this video earlier this year on the blog Facebook page and I’m resharing it today as your Motivation Monday pep talk. So pull up a chair, or if you’re on the go, just hit play and listen to the video in the background!
All writing and video content copyright © 2018 Rachel Elise Weems Woods
Blu says
I’m feeling the same way! I’m actually glad thanksgiving is over so I can get back on track and not fall off!
Blu
http://Www.liveloveblu.com | wellness & healthy living
Reese says
Way to keep that focus going through the holiday season!
Ebony says
I am definitely a sucker for the “I’ll start on Monday” curse! I have done that ever so many times, but my most recent lifestyle change I just woke up one Wednesday and went for it – and haven’t looked back. Bookmarking your video for later!
Ebony x
http://www.theblackandwhiteguide.com
Reese says
Way to get after those goals, girl!
Jasmine says
I have been so guilty of this until I discovered intermittent fasting. I would always say “after this cruise I’ll start” or “it’s the weekend I’ll start Monday “ lol . Going to watch your vid soon!
Reese says
It’s a really easy video to just turn on and listen to in the background while you are folding laundry or cooking!
Travel with Karla says
OMG, this is so on point! Thanks for the tips. I really need to be more disciplined in terms of my fitness progress.
Reese says
You can do it, girl!
kattyscreamery says
You totally described me… “I’ll start next week” I always say! I’ve had a pretty good workout routine lately and I’m trying not to slip up! Thanks for the motivation!
Reese says
That’s great to hear, girl! Keep up the good work!
Theresa Pickett says
Keeping up with fitness can be difficult. Thanks for the reminder to stick with it this year!
Reese says
It can be tricky to keep all our priorities balanced sometimes, but our health is one of our greatest gifts!
Amanda Martin says
Staying healthy during the holidays is tough! I just stick to balance and moderation so I can enjoy the holidays without going overboard.
Reese says
That is a good way to strive for balance this time of year!
TheSuperMomLife says
I’m trying to stay positive but our move and the holidays definitely threw me off this year.
Reese says
Life just happens like that sometimes! But it’s never too late to make some little positive changes!
Mimi says
You know what? The only diet I was able to keep doing was the one I wasn’t planning on doing ahah, I started randomly on a Saturday (I mean) and by Monday I was feeling so good I just kept going! Loving your motivation though!
Reese says
Haha, that’s awesome! Yes, we often succeed when we just get ourselves moving and doing it!
Tami Qualls says
I’m guilty of this very thing. ‘Monday’, ‘January’ and ‘next’ anything are all words I am eliminating altogether.
Reese says
You can do it, girl!
Lori | LoriGeurin.com says
I used to be a member of the Monday restart gang, but no more! For me, the key has been to love and accept myself wherever I’m at, give myself grace and take things one day at a time. Thanks for the great reminders here!
Reese says
Amen! Learning to have some grace with ourselves is definitely a big step!
Kate Allyson says
Yes, I completely agree! There’s no reason why you can’t start on Wednesday…or Saturday. Another thing that I see is people who do the thing (whatever it is) on Monday, but then they don’t do it on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday they don’t do it because they’re already off track, and then put it off for another week.
Start now, keep going. If you slip up for a day, that’s okay…just get yourself back on track immediately. Don’t wait for Monday!
Reese says
Absolutely! It’s tempting to feel like one slip up means we have lost the whole day and might as well just give up. But that’s not how anyone who makes a lasting change succeeds! You have to keep moving forward!
Patricia G. says
When I wanted to start a new habit, whether it be fitness related or not, I sometimes fall to the “I’ll start on X day,” curse and then, when that day comes, I procrastinate even further. I like your advice to start small, so you don’t get overwhelmed by the big-ness of the goal, and then continue taking little steps to reach the goal.
Life Of A Med School Wife says
Great post! This definitely used to be me too. I’m really motivated to get on track again right now before the holidays. Thanksgiving threw me off.
Reese says
Over the holidays, I like to reserve the day of the actual holidays (Thanksgiving day, Christmas day, etc.) to just let myself enjoy the day, not count calories and not exercise. But outside of those days, focus like I would any other day of the year. It’s been helping me navigate the holidays!
Kelsey says
I’m feeling the same way! It’s always so hard this time of year!
Reese says
It can feel challenging this time of year, but even just making small, manageable changes in a busy season is a good start!
Marya Mesa says
I struggled with that for years, but now I have a serious GI diagnosis so things are a little different this year.
Reese says
I hope you are doing well! GI issues are no joke!
nadaliebardo says
This is such a true cycle for any goals we set. There is such a temptation to push until January, then January becomes next year all over again.
Reese says
It’s a very common cycle!
Cristine says
There are so many tempatations during the holidays. From food to lack of free time it’s a lot. But you have to make you a priority
Reese says
Very true. We all have the same 24 hours in a day and have to carve out time for our main priorities.
TERRIfic Words says
I used to have an issue with Monday start procrastination too. But I’ve made an effort to try to get excited about new ideas so I’ll be motivated to start right away. As long as I’m excited it will get done
Reese says
The best time to begin is the present!
stephaniestephtaylorjacksoncom says
I can totally relate to this!!! I really want to get on track this year!
Reese says
You can do it, girl!
kandiandersonphotography says
I feel like every day is Monday and I can’t get past it with fitness and my weight loss. Thank you for the motivational video!
Reese says
It can be tough, but it’s all about taking it one day at a time!