We all have the best intentions in the New Year. We want to get healthy, feel our best and rock on with our bad selves! And that broad category may include losing a few pounds, gaining more energy, running a marathon or getting in shape for that tropical vacation.

Whether you make a formal resolution or not, we seem to all want the same thing – to not only get healthy, but stay healthy. Because the new year – which brings new possibilities and fresh restarts – will be way more fun if we’re feeling our best. 

Yet somehow, usually around the one-month mark, that vigor and determination slowly fades. Oh, you know what I’m talking about! We’ve all been there.

So how do you not only get healthy, but stay healthy (for more than a month)…and sustain it long after the new year?

Focus on how you want to feel

How will meeting your health goals make you feel? Refreshed, abundant, energized, vibrant? I get it – you might want to lose 5 pounds or finish a 5K, but why? Getting to your “why” and understanding the feelings behind your goals will help keep you motivated for the long-term.

Tell the world

Now that you have your goals and understand why it’s important to meet them, share that news with the world! There’s something to be said for accountability – and the more you share the news, the more invested you’ll be to reach your goals. So tell everyone, loud and proud. 

Find your support

Sticking to your health goals is so much easier when you have your own personal cheerleader. Find that unwavering support in one key person – a spouse, friend, health coach, or colleague – and tell them ahead of time what you expect from them. Make it clear the role you expect them to play – to be your long-term bright light of positivity and endless supply of “go get ’em’s.” So when the going get’s tough (ugh, weddings, birthdays and celebrations!) – they’ll be there to see you through it.

Don’t deprive yourself

Yep, you heard me right. Long term health is not about deprivation and stringent rules. In fact, you should give yourself permission to have that sweet treat once in a while…but “once” is the key word. Tell yourself before you indulge that this one item is your special treat. By doing so, you’ll keep the mind-body connection aligned without getting derailed from your long-term goals.

Make healthy foods convenient

Many times your health gets off course because unhealthy food is just easier. It comes packaged, ready to go, easily obtained. But healthy food can be just as easy with a little prior planning. Batch cook and freeze healthy meals – so when you come home from that long, exhausting day all you’ll have to do is heat something yummy up. And always have nuts and healthy snacks in your purse or bag. 

Make daily activity a priority

It’s not about hardcore workouts or daily classes at the gym. But it is about daily activity. Those who stay healthy know that movement is key. Go for a walk around your block, find a hiking trail, heck, even jump on that bike and pedal around. Daily activity that gets your blood pumping will always do wonders for your health while keeping you motivated.

Make self-care a non-negotiable

Many times the biggest derailer of your health goals is not the festive holiday platter. Or the ice-cream cake birthday celebration. It’s letting stress, exhaustion and burn-out creep in. When you’re stressed and frazzled, you’re more likely to say f*#@^ it! Which creates a downward spiral. The best way to prevent that? Make self-care a 100% non-negotiable. Schedule it on your calendar, just as you would any other important meeting. Get a massage, take 20 minutes a day to meditate, spend some time journaling. Make YOU time the most important thing about your healthy living goals.

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What are your health goals for 2015? Start off strong by sharing them below!