Have you ever had this experience: enthusiastically embarking on a new project, only to give up after just two or three days? Most people quit halfway through because they lack the willpower to persevere. The following 18-day tips can help you stick with it year-round.
Day 1: Choose Tuesday to start exercising.
Many women choose their birthdays or other memorable days as the first day of their weight loss plan. However, expert Gernard Peterson (the professional trainer for Hollywood stars Jennifer Lopez and Penelope Cruz) advises against choosing memorable days as a starting point, as this creates invisible pressure, sending signals that force you to exercise; what might follow is shame for giving up and then resentment towards the plan; furthermore, people often crave relaxation, laziness, celebration, and vacation on memorable days, which can squeeze out exercise time.
Day 2: Lower Expectations
Reconsider your pre-made plan carefully, as your mind will be calmer than initially, allowing you to lower your expectations. Even if you're determined to achieve a perfect physique, don't hastily tie yourself to a painful plan. Otherwise, once your enthusiasm for exercise begins to waver and you become physically and mentally exhausted, all your previous efforts will easily be in vain.
Day 3: Fixed exercise time
Mark the 18-day period and the daily exercise time on the calendar with a pen. Each session should not exceed 20 minutes. The main purpose of doing this is to help you develop the habit of exercising at a fixed time.
Day 4: Get ready
Before embarking on any plan, a thorough examination of all aspects of life should be conducted. This includes cleaning the dishes, kitchen, and refrigerator, and strictly controlling one's diet. It's impossible to do everything perfectly from the outset, but first identify what's most important and prioritize accordingly.
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