Resolution Revolution: Four Tips for Reaching Your Goals

Did you make a New Year’s resolution this year? A lot of us did — and a third of us don’t stick to our resolutions past the end of January. If you’re among those of us who could use a little help sticking to your resolutions (and hitting the goals that go with them) as we dive into a new year, read on for a few tips from Laura Hogya, fitness instructor and public relations guru at Athleta.

Laura has a unique perspective: Not only is she manager of PR and partnerships at Athleta, she’s also a fitness instructor at Equinox (bonus: she also teaches classes at Ahtleta's very own Fit Studio right here at Athleta's HQ in San Francisco) and is earning her certification as a personal trainer. In other words, she lives and breathes Athleta’s mission to ignite a community of active, healthy, confident women and girls who empower each other to reach their limitless potential. She talked with us about how she approaches self-improvement for herself and her clients.

1. You don’t have to call it a resolution, and you don’t have to start on Jan. 1. “I don’t make resolutions, because they typically have an association with something negative in the past. Rather, I call it an intention: how am I going to grow myself – physically, emotionally, mentally – this month or this year? You can start anytime. Everybody’s so focused on the new year and that if they don’t commit to something in January, they’ve missed their ‘only’ window… but every day is a new day!”
2. Go for a measurable goal, and embrace the process. “I have one student who came to me after my class and said she wants to learn how to perfect her squat. So we’re working on it bit by bit, adjusting every week and checking in. She has shown points of frustration throughout the process, feeling like her form isn’t right. And I totally hear her, because I’ve been there too. But it’s important to stay patient because when you get to your goal, you’re going to be thrilled.”
3. Set yourself up for success. “I’m not going to commit myself to something where I know there’s a good chance I’ll fail. For example, I could say I’m going to avoid dairy for the rest of my life since it makes me feel ill… but in reality, I know there’s no way I’m going to resist a cheese platter when I’m having a bunch of friends over for a dinner! So instead, I tell myself to avoid dairy as often as I can, when it’s doable, and not sweat it if I decide to a have a few bites of cheese every so often. Focus on one thing you want to do and can ultimately control, and commit to it for a manageable time period. Set short-term goals and benchmarks (i.e for this week, I am going to do x) and allow yourself flexibility – it’s the only way to keep yourself sane.”
4. Be kind to yourself. “Your intention shouldn’t feel exasperating or stressful; it should feel like a welcome challenge that you want to do for yourself, and not because others are. It’s your journey, your life and at the end of the day, we’re humans – we are going to be instinctive or impulsive and that’s OK – laugh it off, and check in with yourself. Don’t be your biggest critic, be your biggest cheerleader.”

Want more tips for reaching your limitless potential? Check out the Athleta Chi Blog.

Interested in joining the Athleta team? Check out our jobs.
 

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