FIVE TIPS TO KEEP THE FIRE BURNING THROUGH FEBRUARY By Michael Lauderdale
F
ebruary? Yes, through February. I know you are on fire, highly motivated and
ready to knock out your fitness goals
through January. Sure, you took some
time off, after all life happens and you must change priorities. “These bills can’t pay themselves,” you told yourself.
“I’ll get back on it tomorrow,” you told
yourself. “I deserve this ______ (insert
secret indulgence),” you told yourself.
You tell yourself “Yes,” when you really
having clear and understood boundaries
kryptonite, like it is for me, swap it with
is formed. Because there are healthy
4. Reward yourself… but not too much.
a level of understanding and respect
boundaries, they respect the time for
you to be physically active and the food
You deserve a break, but don’t do too much
falls and you fall off track your neighbor
going. Remember why you started, which
choices that go along with it. If the fence can lend a helping hand and repair the
fence. After all, the fence also helps them establish autonomy and grow.
2. Break the clock, even a broken clock
want to say, “No.”
is right twice a day.
The conditions will never be perfect in
Establish two times in a day you can
because we tend to put the needs of
opportunities to be successful, you’re
your journey to living a healthy lifestyle others before our own. They say put
your oxygen mask on first before helping others and for too long you have been holding your breath and refusing to
breathe because you think you have time. Here are my 5 top tips to help you recover and reclaim what you may have lost in
pursuit of your fitness and health goals. 1. Set healthy boundaries. A fence is a neighbor’s best friend. By
dedicate to working out. If you have two going to not only be more successful, but also consistent. You already give people
second chances to make up for mistakes,
brings us to the fifth tip.
5. “Y.” What’s your big WHY? You have a lot of reasons why you do this, but what is that one big WHY that really
motivates you. It can be to be able to walk two flights of stairs without being tired,
but it’s more impactful when you want to
walk two flights of stairs to protect a family member. Your big WHY is connected to something big in you and your life.
apply this same principle to yourself? 3. Swap it out. Switch one bad habit with a good one.
We are nothing if not consistent. If you are a snacker, swap the unhealthy snack with a healthy one. If gummy bears are your
follows intention. However, you must overcome it. Think, feel, and do higher than the
disruption. Only then will you be on your way to keep the fire burning through February. | THE UNLEASHED VOICE
that you feel bad and say “F” it and keep
why not give yourself the same grace and
Remember, once you get started, you are bound to run into disruption, after all disruption
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broccoli or some other healthier option.
Michael Lauderdale is a Health & Fitness enthusiast. Michael holds a Masters in Physical Education Teachers Education and Leadership and Policy Studies, from the University of Memphis. @MichaelQLau @Michael Q Lauderdale
