Discover Your "Why" and Stay Motivated for Your New Year's Resolutions

By Ginger Cochran, MS, RDN, CDCES. CEP-ACSM

Want to know the secret to staying on track with your New Year resolution? Many of us enthusiastically set New Year's resolutions with the best of intentions. However, as the days and weeks go by, our motivation can wane, and our commitment to these resolutions may start to fade. We at Designer Wellness want to support your journey to health!

The key to staying on track and achieving your goals lies in discovering your "why" – the driving force behind your resolutions. In this blog, we'll share the importance of finding your "why" and how it can transform your life and help you stay motivated throughout the year.

• The Power of Your "Why":

Your "why" is the reason behind your resolutions, the deep-rooted motivation that fuels your desire for change. It's not just about the what (your goals) but the why (the purpose behind them) when you identify your "why," it becomes a powerful force that propels you forward, even in the face of challenges.

Imagine this scenario: You've set a resolution to improve your fitness and lead a healthier lifestyle. This is your "what." Now, let's dig deeper into your "why." Is it because you want to have more energy to keep up with your children or because you want to reduce your risk of developing health issues in the future? When you understand the true reasons behind your goals, you're more likely to stay committed.

• Visualize Your Desired Outcome:

Close your eyes and picture your life once you've successfully incorporated your resolutions into your daily routine. How will your life be different? How will you feel? Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you connect with your "why" on a deeper level.

For instance, if your resolution is to save more money, imagine the financial freedom and peace of mind you'll experience once you've achieved your savings goals. Envision the opportunities and experiences that will become available to you. By visualizing your desired outcome, you create a vivid mental image that keeps your motivation alive.

• Set Specific and Achievable Goals:

Another key to staying motivated is setting clear, specific, and achievable goals. When your resolutions are too vague or unrealistic, it's easy to lose motivation. Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. This not only makes your objectives more attainable but also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you reach each milestone.

For instance, if your resolution is to gain muscle and feel stronger. Start with small goals like eating high-quality proteins throughout the day, like Designer Egg and Protein Smoothie, or 30 minutes of weight training 2x a week on Tuesday and Thursday. By achieving these smaller goals, you'll build momentum and stay motivated to keep going.

• Create a Supportive Environment:

Surrounding yourself with a supportive environment can greatly impact your ability to stay motivated. Share your resolutions with friends or family who can encourage and hold you accountable. Tag Designer Wellness Instagram in your successes and recipes so we can celebrate with you.

Moreover, set up your physical environment to support your resolutions. If your goal is to eat healthier, stock your kitchen with nutritious foods and remove tempting junk food. Check out our Designer Wellness Recipe List and Blogs for ideas. A supportive environment makes it easier to stay on track and reinforces your commitment to your resolutions.

• Track Your Progress:

Regularly tracking your progress allows you to see how far you've come and provides a sense of achievement. Whether it's through a journal, a dedicated app, or a visual chart, monitoring your journey toward your goals keeps you motivated.

For example, if your resolution is to become more physically active, keep a workout log. Seeing the number of workouts you've completed and the improvements in your fitness level can be incredibly motivating.

• Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity:

It's important to remember that setbacks and failures are a natural part of any journey toward change. Rather than becoming discouraged, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong and adjust your approach accordingly. The path to success is rarely linear, but each setback can bring you closer to your "why."

Staying motivated to achieve your New Year's resolutions is not always easy, but by discovering your "why," visualizing your desired outcome, setting specific goals, creating a supportive environment, tracking your progress, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity, you can increase your chances of success. Your resolutions are not just about what you want to achieve; they're about how you want to feel and the life you want to create for yourself. Stay connected to your "why," and let it be the driving force that guides you toward a happier, more fulfilled life. Remember, you have the power within you to make your resolutions a reality, one step at a time. Don’t forget to tag Designer Wellness in your successes so we can celebrate with you! Below is a sample high-protein meal plan to get you motivated!

Day 1:

Breakfast: Protein Pancakes

• Pancakes made with 2 scoops vanilla Designer Egg added

• Greek yogurt topping

• Sliced bananas

Lunch: Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocado

• Tuna salad (canned tuna, Greek yogurt, celery) in half an avocado

• Whole grain crackers

Dinner: Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

• Stir-fried chicken with broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas

• Brown rice

Snack: Hard-Boiled Eggs

• 2 hard-boiled eggs

• Cherry tomatoes

Day 2:

Breakfast: Cottage Cheese and Berry Bowl

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• Mixed berries

• Drizzle of honey

Lunch: Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

• Quinoa mixed with black beans, corn, and avocado

• Lime-cilantro dressing

Dinner: Grilled Steak with Roasted Vegetables

• Grilled steak

• Roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots

• Mashed sweet potatoes

Snack: Protein Drink and Apple

• Vanilla Cupcake Designer Lite with Soy Milk

• Apple slices

Day 3:

Breakfast: Smoothie Bowl

• Blend Angel Cake Designer Soy, frozen berries, and almond milk

• Top with granola and sliced almonds

Lunch: Chicken Caesar Salad

• Grilled chicken breast over romaine lettuce

• Parmesan cheese

• Caesar dressing

Dinner: Salmon and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Quinoa and salmon mixture stuffed in bell peppers

• Side Salad

Snack: Yogurt and Nut Mix

• 1 cup of yogurt

• Mixed nuts and seeds

Day 4:

Breakfast: Protein Waffles with Berries

• Protein Waffles made with strawberry  Designer Whey protein powder

• Fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt

Lunch: Chickpea and Spinach Wrap

• Chickpea salad with spinach in a whole-grain wrap

• Sliced cucumber

Dinner: Turkey Chili

• Ground turkey chili with kidney beans and tomatoes

• Quinoa or brown rice

Snack: Protein Smoothie

• 1 scoop Cookie and Cream Designer Lite protein powder

• Almond milk

• Mango chunks

Day 5:

Breakfast: Veggie and Egg Breakfast Burrito

• Scrambled eggs with sautéed vegetables in a whole grain tortilla

• Salsa

Lunch: Greek Salad with Chicken

• Grilled chicken over a Greek salad with olives and feta cheese

• Whole grain pita bread

Dinner: Baked Tofu with Broccoli

• Baked tofu with soy-ginger marinade

• Steamed broccoli

• Quinoa

Snack: Protein Smoothie and Pineapple 

• Raspberry Passion Fruit Protein Smoothie

• Fresh pineapple chunks

Day 6:

Breakfast: Protein-Packed Chia Pudding

• Chia pudding made with 1 scoop of Strawberry Designer Whey protein powder, almond milk, and berries

Lunch: Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

• Ground turkey and quinoa mixture stuffed in bell peppers

• Side Salad

Dinner: Grilled Swordfish with Couscous

• Grilled swordfish

• Lemon herb couscous

• Roasted vegetables

Snack: Yogurt and Berry Parfait

• 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt

• Mixed berries

• Granola